Pilates By Dena : About Pilates
Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1880, created the Pilates method. A frail and sickly child,
Pilates began early on working to strengthen his own body from the inside out. Through the study
of boxing, skiing, gymnastics, yoga, dance, and body building, Pilates created this method. His
determination and knowledge of exercise and anatomy allowed him to create a system emphasing
musculo-skeletal balance, proper breathing and spinal alignment. This combined with control
of the abdominals, ease of movement and mental focus, restore the body to balance.
How Does Pilates Work?
Pilates works by combining breathing techniques with specific exercises and stretches. This work is done with spring resistance equipment and mat work. It is a method of exercise, which focuses on improving the body’s core by making the body more flexible and stronger. By using Pilates machines and mat work individuals have to go through systematic moves, whilst holding their torsos in place and moving their limbs in different directions. This movement challenges the individual’s balance, strength and flexibility.
The Benefits of Pilates
The benefits of Pilates are noticeable and Pilates fans report that by attending regular
Pilates classes, their bodies are toner, well balanced and stronger. After a Pilates workout, individuals
instantly feel the difference in their abs, backs and legs. Other associated benefits to Pilates are
weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of well being. Pilates is gentle and very
effective. Pilates is an ideal workout for athletes recovering from injury, older people who may
not have the capacity to do strenuous exercise, or pregnant women. Generally, Pilates is a great
supplement to any exercise routine.
The Benefits:
* Assists in aligning your body
* Helps in rehabilitation of injuries
* A great work out for abdominals, really targeting on this area.
* Streches and strengthens the body
* When modified, Pilates is great form of exercise for pregnant women
* Weight loss
* Well being
* Increased energy levels.
The Six Principles of Pilates:
- Concentration
- Control
- Center
- Flow
- Precision
- Breathing
Concentration is used to connect the mind with the body. The mind wills the body into action and focuses on the part of the body that is working.
Control and Precision are part of each movement. There are no haphazard movements.
The Center of the body is the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. Joseph Pilates called this the powerhouse. A strong center is needed for a strong body.
Pilates movements Flow from the powerhouse to the extremities. The movements are performed with flowing motion, not with speed.
Movements in pilates are executed with Precision. There are no static, isolated or jerky movements.
Correct Breathing is an integral part of Pilates. It is very important to have a full inhalation and full exhalation in order to oxygenate the blood and to rid the body of noxious gasses. To achieve full exhalation the abdominal muscles are used to push out every last drop of air.
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