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What is Pilates?
Developed from the 1920's by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates,
the Pilates Method is a series of approximately 500 exercises across a wide
range of specially designed exercise equipment, used for Fitness Pilates and
Rehabilitation Pilates. Whether in Sydney, Singapore, San Diego or Southampton,
there are three components to the exercise Method The Principles, The Exercises,
The Equipment:
The Principles
More complex than other forms of exercises, Pilates, a fusion of western and
eastern philosophies, teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics,
balance, co-ordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and
flexibility. For full benefit of the method, you’ll learn to flow from one
movement to the next building stamina and cardiovascular fitness, with the basic
principles of the Pilates exercise repertoire:
- Centering
- Alignment
- Breathing
- Control
- Precision
- Flowing Movement
- Relaxation
However, every studio, teacher, book, video
and training organization may introduce variations and different emphasis on
these Principles.
The Exercises
Pilates and yoga share similar goals, with both systems believing in
individual progress in a non-competitive arena, with emphasis on stretching as
well as strengthening of muscles. However, the Pilates system works the body
as a whole, co-coordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body’s
center. This dramatically improves strength, flexibility, posture and
co-ordination.
The Equipment
The most popular exercise repertoire in the world is the floor matwork, due to
its accessibility, found in health clubs, leisure centers or church halls.
However, a fully equipped Pilates studio would have other spring and gravity
based resistance equipment:
- Reformers
- Circles
- Cadillac/Trap Table
- Wunda Chair
- Pedipull
- Barrels
- Ladder Barrel
The most common piece of equipment in any
Pilates studio is the “Reformer”(a moveable carriage for pushing and
pulling). Invented in the 1940’s by Joseph Pilates, the older style reformers,
traditionally utilized springs as resistance, however, manufacturers over recent
years have introduced many innovations such as lightweight and modern materials,
adjustability, and gravity resistance. This has lead to the Reformers being the
most popular piece of Pilates equipment throughout the world today.
Fitness Pilates or Rehabilitation Pilates?
It is now widely accepted that there are two types of Pilates applications. The
Principles of the Pilates Method remain the same, however variations occur in
types of applications and training background of instructors.
Fitness Pilates
In achieving fitness through Pilates, your motives may be Health Related
(general fitness), Performance Related (sports training) or as Remedial Therapy
(postural improvement).
Types of applications:
matwork classes, equipment classes, studio sessions, books, videos and home use
equipment.
Training Background/Types of Instructors:
Dancers, Personal Trainers, Gym Instructors, Alexander Teachers, Yoga and
Aerobics teachers and ex-clients of the Pilates Method.
Rehabilitation
Pilates
Rehabilitation Pilates is usually sought after injury. The exercises are
predominately taught on the Pilates equipment, on a one-to-one basis with the
instructor.
Types of applications:
Structural back problems, hips, knees, neck trauma, severe silicosis, and joint
injuries.
Training Background/ types of instructors:
Physiotherapists/Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Remedial
Therapists, Pilates Instructors working closely with a specialist, Pilates
Instructors with further relevant training qualifications.
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