What are Pilates? - Overview

What are Pilates?

The Pilates system, developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates in the 1930s and 40s, has helped thousands of people attain vibrant health and exceptional energy. Today, the integrated fitness system has reached new heights of popularity with studios and classes forming across the nation.

The benefits attained through consistent practice include a strong, toned yet flexible body, renewed vigor and greater cardiac stamina, as well as increased mind / body synchronization, enhanced lung capacity, a powerful core, supple joints, and poise.

What are Pilates equipment commonly used? Pilates employs specific equipment used for resistance training that fundamentally differs from other methods such as Nautilus or weight training, as the individuals muscles themselves become springs and pulleys. The equipment assists the individual in performing movements that could not be done without the aid of a prop.

Over time, the individual strengthens and tones to the point where the proper can be dispensed with. The body itself acts as the resistance against which you push or pull. This builds strength without bulk. Most people today focus on the mat exercises, though some studios continue to employ the types of props originally designed by Pilates to enhance the exercises, such as Universal Reformers, Trapeze Tables, and Magic Circles.

As a low impact exercise, Pilates can be performed by just about anyone, from seniors to athletes to everyone in between. The Pilates system first began gaining a reputation as an excellent fitness regime with professional dancers, who greatly valued the benefits of the exercise that enhanced the grace of their movements and improved dance form.

What are Pilates similar to? The Pilates system philosophically shares many similarities with the Eastern traditions of health, such as yoga. Great emphasis is placed on the mind-body connection. Also like yoga, proper diaphragmatic breathing remains central to the system. In addition, many instructors use visualization and imagination techniques to enhance the experience for their students. As one continues with the practice, body awareness increases. Many also turn to Pilates to reduce stress, to increase flexibility, or to recover from an impact sports-related injury.

What are Pilates basic principles? These include concentration and awareness, using the "powerhouse", or the core area between the lower ribs and hips as the foundation for all movements, precise movements and alignments, a graceful natural movement, oppositional energy, and proper full elongated breath.

Over five hundred precise movements constitute the entire Pilates methodology.

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You may wish to learn more about how the Pilates Power System can improve your health and fitness, and about how to use pilates to provide relief from back and joint pain.

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