THE POWER OF PILATES

How Pilates Helps You Grow Longer, Stronger and Leaner

Although Pilates was developed by German-born, Joseph Pilates, early in the 20th century, Pilates still remains one of the most popular forms of exercise in the United States.  Why is America so in love with Pilates, including celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Uma Thurman? 

When you practice it regularly in conjunction with aerobic exercise and a healthy diet, Pilates classes can help you achieve a strong, lean, toned-looking body. Pilates stresses not only core strength but also flexibility and stability, dancers and athletes along with models and celebrities are big fans.

What is a Pilates Class Like?

While Pilates can be done on a machine called a Reformer that consists of a seat and a group of strings and pulleys used to challenge exercise every muscle group, many people start with Pilates mat classes.  These are taught at gyms and health clubs all over the country.  A typical Pilates class involves a set of controlled movements and stretches with special attention on breathing and alignment.  Most people associate Pilates with core strength.  But in addition to working the core—the muscles of the abdomen and the back—Pilates also builds stabilization in the trunk that help to support the spine and increase your range of motion.

The Key Principles of Pilates

Many people think that yoga and Pilates are the same thing, and while they both stress concentration, breathing, and flexibility, Pilates is less about quieting the mind than about a deep control over movements of the body.  The focus is not about the number of repetitions but about doing just a few very, precise exercises very well.  Joseph Pilates originally called his form of working out “contrology.”

6 Basic Principles of Pilates

Control.  One reason that Pilates is such an effective workout is that each exercise is done with control and awareness of each group of muscles. For example, even if you are doing abdominal work, you still need to maintain control of your legs and arms and maintain proper posture.

Concentration.  If you pay full attention to each move and do it with complete commitment, you’ll get the most out of the exercise.

Centering. The focus of Pilates is the center or core of the body, between the ribcage and the hips.  This is where most movement originates.

Breathing.  Deep, full breathing is a trademark of the Pilates method.  Joseph Pilates likened the lungs to bellows, forcefully pumping air in and out.  Most Pilates emphasize breath, coordinating specific moves with inhaling and exhaling, often audibly, at the appropriate times.

Precision.  Because you are hyper-aware of each move, as well as your body’s overall alignment, each exercise should be done precisely and with mindfulness.
Flow.  The exercises in a Pilates class flow from one movement to the next with an emphasis on fluidity, control, and grace.  This helps improve balance while supporting efficient, easeful movement.

Don’t worry if you can’t follow and hold every move in a Pilates mat class at first.  Most people find that taking class several times a week works best to achieve proper breathing, alignment, and strength, all resulting in a longer, leaner figure.

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• Find A Pilates Class Near You

Article Written By: Julie Mitchell; Julie is an accomplished writer from San Francisco who loves ballet, yoga, walking, cooking and reading. Her experience as a wife and mother of two lend to her articles and blogs for DivaVillage.com and VillageMAMA.com in the areas of wellness, fitness, beauty, parenting and food.