What is Pilates?

A form of exercise designed by a German gymnast Joseph Pilates at the beginning of the 20th century during the time of the first World War. These exercises were specifically designed for war veterans, prisoners of war and those injured to regain their fitness.

At the time of its inception, these exercises were collectively called Contrology because they were an involvement of mind over muscle. A focal point for these exercises are the core postural muscles that help in balancing the body by giving support to the spine. They are governed by six principles: centring, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flow.

The six principles

Centring

The focus is on the central part of the body - between the lower ribs and the pubic bone.

Concentration

When doing these exercises one needs to concentrate to the maximum to attain full benefits.

Control

The exercises involve complete muscular control.

Precision

Accuracy in the form of proper alignment is of utmost importance and has to be maintained throughout the Pilates workout.

Breath

Usage of breath is vital for proper results. It is important that the breathing technique be correct.

Flow

Fluidity of motion is characteristic of Pilates.

Advantages of Pilates

- The exercises can be done by just about anyone. There are exercises tailored to the need of any kind of individual

- The exercises do not involove that many repetitions (reps)

- All parts of the body are involved in an exercise, no part of your body is idle. Because of this all parts of the body get effectively worked.

- The exercises help in toning the body and make it look graceful.

- The exercises help in building flexibility.

- Since the focal point of the exercises is the central part of the body, that is abdomen, back and elbow floor, the chances of straining the neck, arms and legs is less. Pilates is excellent for those who want flat abs.

- Pilates helps improve posture owing to the emphasis on the core muscles of the body.

- Your energy levels are on the rise from the beginning of the exercise regimen.

- Provided your intake of calories is lesser than what you burn off, practice of Pilates is a very effective means of losing weight.

Equipment

Reformer

The most popular of Pilates equipment is the reformer. Designed by Pilates himself, the machinery that comes in metal or wood helps develop good alignment, core strength and stability.

Magic circle

A 13-inch diameter ring also a creation of Pilates is made of flexible metal or rubber and can by used to find out which muscles are being deployed and which muscles aren’t. To a minor extent, the circle is used as a means of providing resistance.

Pilates fitness balls

Unlike the reformers and the magic circles, these fitness balls are not a creation of Joseph Pilates, but nevertheless have become popular in all forms of exercise and not just in Pilates. They are 55-75 cm in diameter. They are great to use to exercise your core muscles by either trying to sit on them or recline on them, and are used in many Pilates exercises.

Toning balls

They are colourful balls and come in various weights and colours and like fitness balls these small ones are also used by many Pilates practitioners for toning muscles.

Exercise bands

There are two kinds - ribbon bands and tube bands - and these are used for stretch and strength exercises.

Foam body rollers

Light rollers that are used as an aid in Pilates exercises that also double up as massagers and are great to relax on.

Pilates trivia

- As a child, Joseph Pilates was always sick and took on the learning of various exercises to improve his health. He also watched the gaits of animals. So perservering was he that he was fully fit by his teen years and posed as a model for anatomical charts.

- Joseph Pilates has authored two books on Pilates - Return to Life through Contrology (written in 1928) and Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education (written in 1934).

- A combination of Pilates and Yoga works great for your body without giving you an overly-muscular look.

- In the early days, Joseph Pilates designed Pilates equipment using old beds and springs.

- Pilates is great for pregnant women.

Famous names who practice Pilates

Madonna, Kate Winslet, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Martina Navratilova, David Beckham, Uma Thurman, Sigourney Weaver, Tiger Woods, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Melanie Griffith, Sharon Stone, Jodie Foster, Hillary Swank, Hugh Grant, Gwyneth Paltrow, Susan Sarandon.

Source: India Syndicate