| ilates Method is a fitness system that concentrates on | | | | term "core" refers to the muscles in the abdomen and |
| health and core fitness. Pilates instructors concentrate | | | | back and is also known as the |
| on teaching the "contrology" (the ability to know | | | | “powerhouse”. This is similar to Hindu |
| exactly what your body is doing) of Pilates, | | | | teaching which states that the power chakra, or |
| encouraging your mind to achieve a total fusion with | | | | energy center, resides in the abdomen of the body. |
| your muscles. The Pilates method focuses on a few | | | | (5) Fluidity. Since Pilates is holistic, it follows that there |
| repetitions of a perfect movement rather than | | | | are no separate movements. instead, the muscles |
| repeating the same movement many times, the way | | | | involved in each Pilates movement are intimately |
| more traditional exercise programs do. | | | | involved with the entire body. Practice of this discipline |
| Pilates principles: | | | | leads to increased grace and balance. |
| Though there are over 500 different Pilates exercise | | | | (6) Breathing. Since Pilates had asthma as a child, he |
| moves and several various Pilates machines, the | | | | was keenly aware that breathing was the most |
| organizing principles for all exercises are exactly the | | | | important element of Pilates movements. Accordingly, |
| same. | | | | every single movement is carefully coordinated with a |
| (1) Precision. All Pilates exercise moves are carried out | | | | specific method of breathing. This is similar to Yoga in |
| carefully and with full attention. It's not like joggers we | | | | which the practitioner exhales when contracting and |
| see out in the street listening to their headphones. The | | | | inhales upon expansion. |
| Pilates student is expected to place full awareness on | | | | Benefits of Pilates: |
| what she is doing. | | | | It is well known that the method has several health |
| (2) Concentration. Pilates should be done with | | | | advantages. |
| concentration not only on the specific exercise, but on | | | | First, it greatly improves coordination, thus reducing the |
| the entire body. Pilates was wise enough to know that | | | | risk of injury and the effect of the exercises increases |
| a change in one part of the body affects the entire | | | | with practice. |
| body. Pilates is definitely a holistic approach. | | | | Secondly, since it doesn't include violent or hyper-active |
| (3) Mind over matter. The goal of all Pilates exercise | | | | movements, anyone can do it. Even people who are |
| moves is to unify the body and mind. Pilates knew that | | | | injured or disabled can do a modified version. |
| the muscles of the body respond to the intention of | | | | Thirdly, Pilates movements result in lean, long muscles |
| the mind. | | | | like those of a dancer. This is incredibly healthy, |
| (4) Centering. All Pilates movement begins with, and | | | | reduces weight and might even add to our longevity. |
| receives its power from, the core of the body. The | | | | |