About Pilates. Pilates is a method of exercise, designed to strengthen and lengthen the

Transcription

1 About Pilates Pilates is a method of exercise, designed to strengthen and lengthen the muscles of the body as well as develop joint stability and mobility and totalbody balance. Joseph H. Pilates, born in Germany in 1880, created and evolved the Pilates method over the course of his life. Pilates studied yoga and other forms of exercise, as well as human anatomy and animal movement, during his formative years, and became very involved with gymnastics, boxing, and skiing. In 1912 he moved to England reportedly to seek employment as a circus performer, but when World War I broke out, he was placed in an internment camp with other Germans. During his internment he worked with healthy and ill internees, developing specialized equipment to rehabilitate those confined to beds. Interestingly, the equipment Pilates developed while living in Germany is similar to the Pilates equipment seen in studios today, incorporating springs, straps, pulleys, and back supports. In the mid 1920 s Pilates moved to America with his wife, Clara, and they opened up a gymnasium in New York City. George Balanchine, a famous choreographer, was among Pilates clients, and perhaps the key figure explaining why the Pilats method has been popular among dancers for decades. Pilates died in 1967 at age 87, long before his exercise philosophy moved into the mainstream.

2 Today, Pilates is taught by those certified in the method as well as by general fitness practitioners. Pilates professionals who work in studios are trained to teach clients how to work specialized equipment like the Cadillac and the Reformer, as well as instruct specific exercise routines performed on a mat. Regardless of whether the exerciser is working on expensive equipment or less-costly mats, the movement goals are the same: lengthening the limbs during work, contracting the muscles in a controlled manner, breathing rhythmically and regularly throughout the exercise, aiming for precise postures and movements, and improving self-awareness. There are also mind-centered goals, including focused concentration on each exercise for optimal results. A Pilates Cadillac The above image is published in Wikimedia Commons by KPilates, and is allowed for use.

3 Pilates Reformers The above image is published in Wikimedia Commons by Ajrehman, and is allowed for use. The Pilates method includes exercises unique to the discipline as well as movements seen in yoga and other fitness classes. Exercises can be modified to adapt to special needs and can also be adjusted for those who need more of a challenge. Examples of Pilates exercises performed in this class include: Imprinting Pelvic tilts 100 Roll-down Roll-up Single leg stretch Double leg stretch Scissors Criss cross Chest raise Prone bridge Oblique bridge Supine bridge Swan Rock and catch

4 The above photo of the single leg stretch exercise was taken by José Vílchez, and is used with permission, retrieved via Wikimedia Commons. Leg series: abduction leg left Leg series: adduction circles Leg series: side leg circles Leg series: side scissors Leg series: adduction leg lift Spine stretch forward Watchdog Plank Oblique plank Superman Rolling like a Seal ball Teaser Swimming Boat Elevated watchdog Saw Leg pull back Leg pull front Leg circles Corkscrew Open leg rocker Shoulder Flutter kick bridge

5 Bicycle The above picture of the watchdog exercise is in the public domain, retrieved at Wikimedia Commons. An extensive resource of online Pilates exercise videos is provided by Katherine and Kimberly Corp, owners of Pilates on 5th in New York, New York. Ultimate Pilates Workouts Online is located at the below URL: Citation Di Lorenzo, C. E. (2011). Pilates: What Is It? Should It Be Used in Rehabilitation? Sports Health, 3(4),

6