Pilates:
A New Way to Look at Exercise
by Devra Swiger
In
several major cities throughout the United States
and Europe, Pilates (pul-lah-tees), an apparently
new form of exercise, has gained immense popularity
among professional dancers, Broadway stars and
movie celebrities. Even many of today's hard-core
exercise enthusiasts are putting away their steps
and Nikes in search of something new. Although
still relatively new to the world of fitness,
the method - named for its founder Joseph Pilates
- has been around for over 70 years.
History
of the Pilates Method
Joseph H. Pilates
was born in Germany in 1880. He started life as
a small, frail child which fueled his fascination
with exercises that would make him healthier,
stronger and more physically attractive. Obsessed
with attainment of the perfect body, he became
an accomplished skier, boxer and gymnast. During
World War I Pilates interned as a nurse and it
was during this time that he designed exercise
apparatus used to rehabilitate injured war victims.
In 1926, Pilates and his wife opened their first
studio in New York City where many of their first
clients came from the world of dance. Later on,
eminent dance masters such as George Balanchine,
Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham became devoted
to his method.
What
is the Pilates Method?
Based on proper breathing, good posture and intense
concentration, the exercises are performed on
a mat or with specially designed equipment. Focusing
on breathing and support from deep within the
abdomen, the client develops a new way of standing
and a more graceful way of moving. Romana Kryzanowska,
a long time student and now master trainer, describes
"flowing motion outward from a strong center."
By learning the proper stance and correct body
alignment, the client soon feels and looks taller
and leaner. The muscles are stretched and strengthened
uniformly resulting in long, sleek muscles rather
than bulk. Of course this runs contrary to the
methods of most of today's fitness professionals
who believe that the only way to "tone"
muscle is to increase the muscle diameter. However,
many students of Pilates swear by this method
and have even admitted to feeling taller, leaner
and "better" after only a few sessions.
Many insist that even when previous forms of exercise
have failed, this program has succeeded in helping
clients achieve the body they've always wanted.
" Pilates helps to reshape and reorganize
the body which gives the impression of weight
loss," says Melissa Pope, Pilates instructor
in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The
Equipment
There are 5 pieces of equipment or apparatus used
for the Pilates method: the Reformer, the Pedipull,
The Cadillac, The Barrel and The Chair. Repetitions
on the equipment are low while the intensity and
concentration is high. The abdomen and buttocks
do all the squeezing while the legs and arms are
stretched to their fullest. Each piece of equipment
is suitable for a large variety of exercises for
nearly every part of the body.
Does
it or Doesn't it?
Celebrities like Madonna, Vanessa Williams and
Sharon Stone rave about the benefits of Pilates.
Does this mean that it works or that the trend
will last? No one can say for sure. However, the
Pilates method seems to be most popular with women
who are tired of hot, sweaty work-outs that seem
to bring little or no results. Many former aerobic
dance aficionados say that Pilates has done much
more to help change their appearance. "The
Pilates Body," says Romana Kryzanowska, "features
long, slender thighs and calves, a strong back,
a flat tummy and a high tushie [butt]." And
that's not all. Many students of Pilates claim
they feel rejuvenated and refreshed after a session
instead of drained and exhausted. "The Pilates
method provides gentle, long term noncompetitive
physical conditioning," says Michele Larsson,
director of training at Institute of Pilates Method
in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Instruction
Pilates studios are opening up all over the United
States and Europe. At this time there are nearly
500 studios in the United States. Instructors
of the official Pilates must complete a rigorous
training program including over 600 apprenticeship
hours before obtaining certification. Classes
are offered in either group or private sessions.
Is Pilates going to take the world by storm? Maybe,
maybe not. But given the recent accolades and
the high level of satisfaction among clients,
we will certainly hear and see a lot more of Pilates
in the months to come.
Who
Can Benefit from Pilates?
People of all ages and physical conditions may
benefit from the prescribed exercises. It is also
a great system for injury prevention - especially
for dancers and athletes who frequently suffer
from injuries and are dependent on their body
to earn a living. Physical therapists are also
integrating some of the exercises in their treatment
of patients.
Devra
Swiger is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor
and Personal Trainer.
Please visit Gaiam for
a nice selection of quality Pilates gear.
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