Mind-Body Fitness with Pilates

Pilates has become quite the mantra recently. Partly because of its popularity with celebrities like Madonna, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman, Sharon Stone, and others. The main reason however, for Pilates popularity, rests on the fact that though the exercises range from the easy to the demanding they are not only enjoyable to do but show results.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a mind/body exercise method with a uniquely precise and intelligent approach that gives you a leaner, suppler, more toned body and leaves you feeling strong and invigorated.
It was pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates who was a German-born student of yoga, zen meditation and rigorous exercise regimens of ancient Greeks and Romans. In New York City during the 1920s, he devised a series of controlled movements that engage the mind and body in developing strong, flexible muscles, without building bulk.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates has long been the secret weapon of performing artists and professional athletes. It has only recently been discovered by a wider public - from those who want a stronger back or flatter stomach to those with specific injuries or medical problems that Pilates can help; or else, simply those who want to get fit or de-stress.

The Pilates Workout
Pilates is a low- to no-impact exercise method emphasizing quality movements focusing on core stability, neutral alignment and specific breathing patterns that help to restore the natural curves of the spine to relieve tension and enhance self-confidence. It lengthens and strengthens the muscles and improves posture without stressing the joints or the heart.
Pilates can be differentiated from other forms of exercise by the fact that it is more dynamic than yoga but less aggressive, sweaty and high-impact than aerobics, jogging or gym-work. Whereas most forms of exercise build the body's stronger muscles, Pilates works to strengthen the weaker ones too leading to a properly balanced body along with better joint mobility.

Pilates exercises are conducted on specifically designed machines such as the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Cadillac and the Barrel. These machines though gentle on the body provide a challenging workout and are suitable for all ages and abilities. The workouts are ideally conducted in small groups of two to five persons a session. This allows for close monitoring of the form and technique, ensuring customized attention to specific needs and variations required for each individual.
Pilates can also be done on mats. This form of Pilates has become very common lately, as it does not require much investment and these classes are conducted with much larger groups of people. An important consideration here is that a larger group may not be conducive for close monitoring. Also in mat Pilates adjustments for individual fitness levels, weaknesses and strengths are not as easily done as on the Pilates machines.

Pilates Applications

For instance, in sport-specific training for athletes, swimmers, golfers, tennis players Pilates can be of tremendous help as it works to balance the body, develop the core and muscular symmetry, and create postural alignment with a greater range of motion.
In our daily life and activities, a common result of our current lifestyles is poor posture, which compounds many physical ailments, such as digestive problems, poor circulation, chronic low energy, lower back pain, headaches, and shortness of breath. Pilates seeks to promote good posture by balancing the body and helps to attain and maintain maximum flexibility, strength, resiliency, and mobility of the spine.
On a personal level, it is very rewarding to receive feedback such as – “It’s wonderful to wake up without a back-ache” or “Pilates has brought me back to performing on stage after a long break of three and a half years” to “Pilates has helped a 42 year old body that felt 48 now look 35”.
Pilates shows you your body’s potential for graceful movement, flexibility and power. What Pilates does for you and here again I quote a regular practitioner at my studio, “mind, body, balance…I have it all’.