Pilates: A New Way to Look at Exercise
In several major U.S. cities and Europe, Pilates (pul-Lah-tee), it seems, a new form of exercise, has gained great popularity among professional dancers, Broadway stars and movie celebrities. Even many current hard-core exercise enthusiasts are putting off their Nikes and steps in search of something new. Although still relatively new in the world of fitness, the method - the name of its founder Joseph Pilates - has existed for over 70 years.
History of Pilates
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. It started life as a small and fragile child who fed his fascination with exercises that would make him healthier, stronger and more physically attractive. Obsessed with achieving the perfect body, he became an accomplished skier, boxer and gymnast. During World War Pilates was interned as a nurse and during this time that he designed exercise apparatus for rehabilitation of victims of the war wounded. In 1926, Pilates and his wife opened their first studio in New York City, where many of his first clients came from the world of dance. Later, the eminent dance master George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham became devoted to his method.
What is Pilates?
Based on proper breathing, good posture and intense concentration, the exercises are performed on a mat or with specially designed equipment. Focusing on the breath and depth of support in the abdomen, the client developing a new form of foot and the most elegant way of moving. Roman Kryzanowska long time and now a student teacher trainer, describes “the movement flowing outward from a strong center.” By learning the correct posture and proper body alignment, the customer feels and looks taller and agile soon. The muscles are stretched and strengthened uniformly along, instead of the smooth muscle bulk. Of course this is contrary to the methods of today, most fitness professionals believe that the only way to “tone” muscle is to increase the diameter of the muscle. However, many students of Pilates swear by this method and have even admitted to feeling high, agile and “better” after only a few sessions. Many insist that even when the previous forms of exercise have failed, this program has been successful in helping clients achieve the body you’ve always wanted. “Pilates helps to restructure and reorganize the body that gives the impression of weight loss,” said Melissa Pope, Pilates instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Team
There are 5 teams or equipment used for the method of Pilates, the reformer, the Pedipull, the Cadillac, Barrel and The President. Repetitions in the team are low, while the intensity and the concentration is high. The abdomen and the buttocks, while squeezing the legs and arms stretched to the maximum. Each piece of equipment is suitable for a wide variety of exercises for almost every body part.
Is it or not?
Celebrities like Madonna, Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone rave about the benefits of Pilates. Does this mean it works or that the trend will last? Nobody can say for sure. However, the Pilates method seems to be more popular with women who are tired of hot, sweaty work that seem to bear little or exits any results. Lots of aerobic dance ex say that Pilates has done much to help change their appearance. “The Board of Directors of Pilates,” said Romana Kryzanowska, “features long, slender thighs and calves, a strong back, flat belly and a high tushie [rear].” And that’s not all. Many students of Pilates say feel rejuvenated and renewed after a session instead of drained and exhausted. “The Pilates method provides smooth, non-competitive long-term fitness,” says Michele Larsson, director of training at the Pilates Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Instruction
Pilates studios are opening up all the United States and Europe. There are currently about 500 studies in the United States. Pilates instructors officer must complete a rigorous training program including over 600 hours of training before getting certification. Classes are offered in either group or private sessions.
Pilates is going to take the world by storm? Maybe, maybe not. However, given the recent praise and the high level of customer satisfaction, no doubt, hear and see much more of Pilates in the coming months.
Who can benefit from Pilates?
People of all ages and physical conditions can benefit from the exercises prescribed. It is also a great system for injury prevention - especially for dancers and athletes who often suffer from injuries to his body, and depend for their livelihood. Physical therapists are also integrating some of the exercises in the treatment of patients.
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