Pilates is an work out discipline that concentrates on developing the body's core postural strength to promote the good support and alignment of the spine. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century, the exercise regimen is planned to lengthen, strengthen and develop the flexibility of these muscles, which may help stop and/or lessen back pain.
The Pilates routine in constructed on seven "Pilates Principles," which include:
* correct Alignment
* Breathing
* Centering
* concentration
* Control
* Precision
* Fluidity of Motion
Joseph Pilates thought that by following these principles, practitioners of the program, which he at first called Contrology, could reap the rewards of better flexibility, strength, body awareness, energy and better mental attentiveness.
Pilates is an extremely flexible program. Many exercises are intended to be performed on a soft mat on the floor; others must be done on specialized resistance equipment that both challenges the body and provides support. exercises may be done either in a group setting or alone, and the actions may be modified to account for varying fitness levels, or to keep away from injury or for rehabilitative purposes. Movements are performed in a specific sequence; only a few repetitions of each are required, with an accent on good breathing, transition and form. Novice students usually learn the basics, adding new exercises as their abilities and stamina develops.
Most Pilates lessons, predominantly those offered in local gyms and fitness studios, focus on "mat work," which consists of about 40 different movements performed while lying on your back, side, or abdomen, or while kneeling or sitting. Most mat movements involve holding your trunk tightly in place while moving your arms and legs in different directions, working the core muscles of your body while using your own weight for resistance. Some Pilates mat lessons incorporate extra equipment such as hand weights, medicine balls or exercise bands into the actions for additional resistance.
Pilates and yoga are similar in that both focus on breathing and the precise execution of regulated actions; both also build strength and flexibility. There are quite a few differences, however, both in philosophy and practice:
* Pilates mostly concentrates on refining core strength in the body and lengthening the spine. Yoga aims to work the body equally and unite the body with mind and spirit.
* Yoga tends to incorporate more statically held poses, where Pilates involves more movement and repetitions.
* Breathing and attentiveness are basic to both practices; though, the difference is that Pilates instructs one to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth; while in yoga, one is taught to inhale and exhale through the nose only.
* Yoga has many different styles, but all are normally performed in a group setting on a yoga mat with the aid of a yoga instructor. Pilates has a full complement of mat work, but also incorporates work on the Pilates machines.
To help you find a qualified Pilates teacher or program, here are some general guidelines, questions and information to consider:
* Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training program?
* Did that training program require a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours?
* How many total hours were spent in the training plan? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)
* Does the teacher have any other movement related teaching experience?
* How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
* What is the trainer's/ studio's philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?
* Does the trainer or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?
As with any exercise schedule, check with your physician before enrolling in your first Pilates class, mainly if you are suffering from back pain or have a spinal condition that has already been diagnosed. Your doctor can determine whether Pilates is an proper form of work out for you, and it's critical that you rely on his or her judgment.
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