Fitness Pilates is a mind-body exercise system created by Joseph Pilates. Initially he established a rehabilitation system for injured soldiers but he went on to work with dancers and athletes. He died at the age of 87 having developed the philosophy of what he called “contrology” which he believed to be a complete co-ordination of body, mind and spirit. His aim was to acquire control over the body through a system of daily exercise which would lead to suppleness and muscular power, with corresponding endurance, good posture and alleviation of body strain.
- Fitness Pilates class
Modern Fitness Pilates incorporates Joseph’s findings but also encourages elevation of the heart rate for cardiovascular fitness, i.e. to strengthen and condition the internal organs, in particular the heart and lungs.
Today, in an average 1 hour Fitness Pilates class you can expect to burn significant amounts of body fat while increasing flexibility, muscular power and endurance. It will also encourage better posture and increase body awareness. Regular practice of Fitness Pilates can transform dramatically the way your body looks, feels and performs. It will build strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.
Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to develop and maintain beautiful physiques.
Fitness Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat and some light equipment. No matter what your age or condition it will work for you and help you to look and feel your very best.
Equipment such as physiotherapy bands, soft balls and even light hand weights are often used to aid development of the core muscles. Using such equipment can help to increase the effectiveness of the exercise once the basic techniques have been learned.
Joseph Pilates saw his system as the key to proper breathing and oxygen intake. Pilates breathing should be done with concentration, control and precision. Practitioners assert that effective breathing not only oxygenates the muscles but also reduces tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders. Pilates breathing is described as posterior lateral breathing, meaning that you breathe deeply into the back and sides of your rib cage. On breathing out you are trying to engage the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. When you breathe in the aim is to maintain a gentle contraction of these muscles. Pilates attempts to coordinate this breathing practice with various movements, and breathing instructions are included with every exercise. Joseph stated, “Even if you follow no other instructions, learn to breathe correctly.”
Joseph called the very large group of muscles in the centre of the body, which encompasses the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks, the “powerhouse”. The energy for Pilates exercise is said to begin from the powerhouse and flow outward to the limbs. Modern instructors call the powerhouse “The Core”. In other words the Pilates technique asserts that physical energy exerted from the centre should coordinate movements of the extremities. Joseph felt that it was important to build a strong powerhouse in order to be able to rely on it in daily living.
I hold my Fitness Pilates classes in local halls or offices for lunch time classes. Generally the mood is set with gentle music. The aim is to strengthen and stretch all the major muscles of the body through a serious of Pilates style exercises that will leave you feeling worked but energised. Particular attention is always paid to the postural muscles and the core so your back, obliques, pelvic floor and abdominals.
As a Personal Trainer I am happy when every person in the room is doing something slightly different because all bodies are different. One of the delights of teaching Fitness Pilates is that every exercise can be adapted to the individual. No one should feel that they are too unfit, too uncoordinated or too whatever to attend these classes. Pretty much everyone can attend and get great benefits and results!”