THE PILATES EXPERIENCE
Classical Pilates is a method of physical and mental conditioning created and developed by Joseph H. Pilates (link JHP history) over 75 years ago. Using specially designed equipment in combination with mat exercises, Pilates dramatically improves strength, flexibility, coordination and posture, developing firmer, sleeker and more powerful muscles.
Pilates incorporated his study of eastern and western philosophies of physical and mental conditioning to create more than just an exercise program. Pilates engages mind, body, and spirit, working as an integrated whole.
Classical Pilates is a Mind/Body Experience. So, what does “Mind/Body” mean?
This question is best answered by one of Joseph Pilates’ favorite quotes:
"It is the mind itself which builds the body"
--Friedrich Schiller
Joe Pilates formulated 6 basic principles for Classical Pilates:
Breathing
The pattern of breathing is connected with the pattern of movement. It ensures a free flow of cleansing oxygen throughout the body, improving circulation and helping to avoid unnecessary tension in the muscles.
Precision
Centering
Centering refers to the practice of initiating and controlling movement from the center or "Powerhouse" - abs, buttocks and back muscles. This concept lies at the heart of Pilates work.
Flowing Movement (Fluidity)
In combination with deep and relaxed breathing, the flowing movements in Pilates reduce stress on the body and the risk of injury.
Control
Concentration
In Pilates, the mind and the body work as a team. Every exercise requires your full attention.
How is one Pilates experience different from another?
Pilates is more than just exercise! When taught well, Pilates teaches a comprehensive way of body conditioning that builds a balanced body, with the upper and lower musculature integrated with a deeply strong body core and coordinated with a focused mind. In addition Pilates helps correct spinal misalignments. The body awareness that comes from consistently practicing Pilates correctly improves posture and prevents injury.
So, with Pilates becoming more and more mainstream, from infomercials to videos to mat classes at health clubs, how do these different experiences of Pilates differ. Which ones are most effective and truly deliver what they claim?
Physical fitness can neither be achieved through wishful thinking
nor outright purchase” ---Joseph Pilates
What to expect from Pilates classes at your gym
Pilates Mat classes at gyms or health clubs vary in quality. One problem is the classes have too many students per instructor. Very few gyms offer the complete system of Pilates, which includes working with 5 major pieces of Pilates apparatus.
Due to the popularity of Pilates, the you need to be discerning about who you receive training from. Make sure your gym’s Pilates instruction isn’t from an aerobics or yoga instructor that took a weekend course in Pilates. Ask the instructors if they are a certified Pilates instructors; and if so where they were certified and how long the certification process took.
It’s the subtleties that count…
The benefits of Pilates do not develop from just doing the movements. Classical Pilates is ALL about the precision and quality of the movement.
Videos are helpful for working out at home after you’ve learned the exercises from a professional Pilates instructor who has utilized their expert eye to help you see where your own imbalances are and been able to hone in on which muscles you overuse and which you under use. Without this set of expert eyes, you are most likely going to continue with “bad” habits even in doing Pilates exercises. It is difficult to correct habitual imbalances on your own.
There are Pilates professionals who are cashing in on video sales, making claims that you don’t need to work with “expensive” personal trainers to get the benefits of Pilates. However, these individuals have made their reputations through being personal trainers and if confronted on this topic face to face, would admit that the most effective Pilates program is Classical Pilates training with a certified instructor, learning apparatus and mat work in private or small group sessions. The apparatus allows the student to access and work parts of the body they may need to become more in tune with.
Infomercials for home use equipment. Again, it would be much more beneficial to you to learn the exercises from a professional Pilates instructor first. We recommend that you try some of the exercises with professional instruction before purchasing any equipment to see if this is something you think you will want to do on your own. Aren’t your closets full enough?
The “Core” of Pilates is discovering and working your “Powerhouse”
The buzzword in fitness these days is “Core” training, referring to strengthening of the body core musculature. In Pilates, your body’s center, or core, is referred to as the “Powerhouse”. The Powerhouse is made up of all of your abdominal, back, and buttocks muscles, including your inner and outer thigh. Discovering these muscles is a very important and often times challenging part of the Pilates process.
So what is the difference between Pilates and “Core” training? The answer is simple. “Core” training, like most forms of weight training, isolates and contracts the muscles to build strength. In Classical Pilates, movements are initiated and controlled from the “Powerhouse” while working and integrating the upper and lower musculature of the body. Your body is stretched and strengthened at the same time, developing a harmonious whole. In Classical Pilates, exercises are dynamically and intentionally ordered to create a balance of exertion and relaxation, flexibility and endurance.
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