What Is Pilates? - Pilates Unlimited Inc.


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Pilates (pronounced pih-law-teez) is a physical training technique that teaches the muscles to move the bones in the most efficient way. Pilates is done on specialized equipment against the resistance of springs or on mats against the resistance of one's own body weight. Pilates is a non-impact strength-training system of exercise. While the focus is on controlled breathing, along with deep abdominal stabilization, much attention is paid to retraining the body’s muscle patterns. This is achieved with precision movements, gently stretching areas of tightness to allow for greater range of motion and the ability to strengthen less developed areas.
Equipment Pilates Matwork Pilates Rehabilitation Pilates History What makes Pilates different? Pilates & Pregnancy
Equipment Pilates is considered a whole body workout developing balanced, toned muscles, core stability and increasing range of motion and flexibility. This is suitable for everyone, but is especially beneficial for rehabilitation of an injury or post-surgical recovery, pre or post natal exercise, and for those who face limitations with physical exercise or who are trying to manage chronic pain conditions. Matwork Pilates is considered a core strength building workout, suitable for those who are healthy and physically active, wishing to further develop their abdominal strength and gain flexibility. There are many levels in Mat work, and some classes are designed using small equipment such as foam rollers or fitness circles, adding a unique aspect to traditional mat exercises. Rehabilitation Privates are with an experienced Master Instructor for those dealing with an injury, chronic conditions or chronic pain. The physical awareness that one develops with a Pilates program can help prevent future risks of injury while engaged in other sports or in normal daily activities. Pilates has long been used by professional athletes because it refines strength, balance and coordination, while the use of breath allows for better oxygen flow, releasing tension and promoting relaxation.
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History Though Pilates has a "new age" kind of image, it is not a newly developed technique. Joseph Pilates started developing Pilates during World War I, working with fellow prisoners and then later disabled wartime victims using the springs from the hospital beds for resistance. Joe immigrated to America in 1926 and shortly after established the first Pilates studio in New York City. His studio caught the attention of such dance legends as George Ballanchine, Hanya Holm, and Martha Graham, who sent their students to him to repair knees, backs, joints and muscle pulls. It is now used by people in all walks of life.
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How does Pilates differ from other fitness regimes?
Instead of increasing the load and/or repetitions as the body adapts, as with weight lifting, Pilates changes the "stress" on the body by adding new exercises that require more sophisticated use of the muscles and more range of motion. Pilates works muscle systems, counterbalancing the systems against each other; unlike weight lifting which isolates and works the muscles individually. Pilates exercises require stabilization with some muscles while others are moving bones. The breathing system is part of the exercise in Pilates. The emphasis is put on using the correct breathing systems and increasing breathing capacity. Pilates always works through movement where yoga holds poses. The focus use eccentric contractions of the muscles develops long, strong muscles rather than short, tight, bulky muscles. Pilates has the ability to gently move bones to their anatomically correct and most efficient position while retraining and rebalancing muscles to maintain this new position. Pilates focuses on good posture, joint release, flexibility, and strength. Generally speaking, there are exercise methods and there are rehabilitation techniques.
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Pilates and Pregnancy: Pilates is a fantastic exercise program for both preparing the body for childbirth as well as assisting with a healthy recovery. Pilates strengthens the very muscles which help to support the downward bearing weight of the baby as well as the muscles used in the birthing process (pelvic floor, vaginal, rectal and transverse abdominus). These are also the support system of the spine and pelvic girdle, and keeping them strong helps support the weight of the baby itself, as well as the necessary weight gained during pregnancy, helping to alleviate the common complaints of fatigue and lower back pain associated with pregnancy. Equipment work is strongly recommended over Mat work due to several factors: 1. Deep abdominal flexion, supine positions and inversion are contraindicated during pregnancy. 2. During pregnancy the body secretes a hormone called ‘relaxin’ which causes the ligaments to ‘loosen’. This is to allow the pelvic bones to spread during childbirth and pass the baby through the birth canal more easily. However, Relaxin causes all the ligaments of the body to loosen making a woman feel much more limber or flexible, when they are not, thus making her more prone to injuries during exercise or normal activities. 3. In a class setting it is difficult for an instructor to give the adequate amount of attention needed for the pregnant woman to exercise safely. 4. Equipment work is more versatile and can assist in more challenging movements while still being safe. 5. An equipment program is tailored to the individual woman, addressing her specific needs, ensuring exercise is at an appropriate level throughout each trimester and always with close instructor supervision. 6. Equipment work is considered a whole body program and is a gentle, non-impact, weight bearing routine that focuses on developing the core and pelvic floor muscles. 7. Safely developing strong core abdominals and engaging in pelvic floor exercises assists in delivery and can help lessen the chance of incontinence, a potential after-effect of childbirth. Click here and scroll for answers to frequently asked questions regarding Pilates during or after pregnancy. Back to Top