Pilates: A New Way to Look
at Exercise
by Devra Swiger
In several major cities throughout the United
States and Europe, Pilates (pul-lah-tees), an apparently new form of
exercise, has gained immense popularity among professional dancers,
Broadway stars and movie celebrities. Even many of today's hard-core
exercise enthusiasts are putting away their steps and Nikes in search of
something new. Although still relatively new to the world of fitness,
the method - named for its founder Joseph Pilates - has been around for
over 70 years.
History of the Pilates Method
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He started life as a
small, frail child which fueled his fascination with exercises that
would make him healthier, stronger and more physically attractive.
Obsessed with attainment of the perfect body, he became an accomplished
skier, boxer and gymnast. During World War I Pilates interned as a nurse
and it was during this time that he designed exercise apparatus used to
rehabilitate injured war victims. In 1926, Pilates and his wife opened
their first studio in New York City where many of their first clients
came from the world of dance. Later on, eminent dance masters such as
George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham became devoted to
his method.
What is the Pilates Method?
Based on proper breathing, good posture and intense concentration, the
exercises are performed on a mat or with specially designed equipment.
Focusing on breathing and support from deep within the abdomen, the
client develops a new way of standing and a more graceful way of moving.
Romana Kryzanowska, a long time student and now master trainer,
describes "flowing motion outward from a strong center." By learning the
proper stance and correct body alignment, the client soon feels and
looks taller and leaner. The muscles are stretched and strengthened
uniformly resulting in long, sleek muscles rather than bulk. Of course
this runs contrary to the methods of most of today's fitness
professionals who believe that the only way to "tone" muscle is to
increase the muscle diameter. However, many students of Pilates swear by
this method and have even admitted to feeling taller, leaner and
"better" after only a few sessions. Many insist that even when previous
forms of exercise have failed, this program has succeeded in helping
clients achieve the body they've always wanted. " Pilates helps to
reshape and reorganize the body which gives the impression of weight
loss," says Melissa Pope, Pilates instructor in Charlotte, North
Carolina.
The Equipment
There are 5 pieces of equipment or apparatus used for the Pilates
method: the Reformer, the Pedipull, The Cadillac, The Barrel and The
Chair. Repetitions on the equipment are low while the intensity and
concentration is high. The abdomen and buttocks do all the squeezing
while the legs and arms are stretched to their fullest. Each piece of
equipment is suitable for a large variety of exercises for nearly every
part of the body.
Does it or Doesn't it?
Celebrities like Madonna, Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone rave about
the benefits of Pilates. Does this mean that it works or that the trend
will last? No one can say for sure. However, the Pilates method seems to
be most popular with women who are tired of hot, sweaty work-outs that
seem to bring little or no results. Many former aerobic dance
aficionados say that Pilates has done much more to help change their
appearance. "The Pilates Body," says Romana Kryzanowska, "features long,
slender thighs and calves, a strong back, a flat tummy and a high tushie
[butt]." And that's not all. Many students of Pilates claim they feel
rejuvenated and refreshed after a session instead of drained and
exhausted. "The Pilates method provides gentle, long term noncompetitive
physical conditioning," says Michele Larsson, director of training at
Institute of Pilates Method in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Instruction
Pilates studios are opening up all over the United States and Europe. At
this time there are nearly 500 studios in the United States. Instructors
of the official Pilates must complete a rigorous training program
including over 600 apprenticeship hours before obtaining certification.
Classes are offered in either group or private sessions.
Is Pilates going to take the world by storm? Maybe, maybe not. But given
the recent accolades and the high level of satisfaction among clients,
we will certainly hear and see a lot more of Pilates in the months to
come.
Who Can Benefit from Pilates?
People of all ages and physical conditions may benefit from the
prescribed exercises. It is also a great system for injury prevention -
especially for dancers and athletes who frequently suffer from injuries
and are dependent on their body to earn a living. Physical therapists
are also integrating some of the exercises in their treatment of
patients.
Devra Swiger is an ACE certified Group Fitness
Instructor and Personal Trainer. |
