An Introduction to Pilates – A Growing Fitness Trend
In recent days, many people have become fans of a new style of low-impact exercise. Pilates (pronounced “pill-LOT-ease”) is not a typo of the word “plates,” nor is it a form of exercise favored by Roman governors. It’s a physical fitness system that was developed by German fitness buff Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. He immigrated to England in 1912 and was held at an internment camp for Germans during World War I. During his time there, this former bodybuilder, gymnast, and professional boxer began to develop his philosophy of “contrology,” a method of controlling the muscles with the mind. This practice has been renamed after its founder and is growing in popularity as a modern form of exercise.
Pilates is based on eight principles: alignment, breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision, flow of movement, and flexibility. This method is intended to exercise the mind as well as the body, and while there are some principles that focus more on the physical aspects of movement, such as alignment and flexibility, all of these principles involve a certain degree of mental effort. Pilates experts claim that, after much practice, the mind is able to control the body so well in these movements that minimal mental effort is required to execute them.
Joseph Pilates originally composed a series of thirty-four exercises that could be completed on the floor using a padded mat. But he later invented several pieces of apparatus that could be used for more specific exercises, such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, and the Ladder Barrel. But you don’t need to jump on this sort of equipment if you want to intensify your pilates workout. You can simply add props such as weighted balls, foam rollers, and resistance bands so that you can reap the maximum benefit of your Pilates workout.
Many fitness practitioners have also combined Pilates with yoga. This is a natural pairing, since Pilates was partially based on Joseph Pilates’ studies of yoga. A good combination of Pilates and yoga techniques can make for a rigorous, but refreshing workout. When doing Pilates, just make sure to use controlled, smooth movements. It’s more important to stay in control of your body than to finish that last rep. As with any new exercise regimen, you should take it easy at first, gradually increasing the intensity of your workout as you grow more comfortable with the moves. This way, you can get the maximum benefit of your Pilates workout.
