What is the "Pilates Method" and how will it help me?

The Pilates Method is tried and true, having been around since the early 1900’s. Since mid century it has been one of the fastest growing and most widely used practices in health and wellness globally.

Developed by German born Joseph Pilates this method owes it’s roots to the physical culture movement, but really found it’s way when Joe Pilates relocated and brought it to the USA in the 1920’s.

The Pilates Method uses a system of Matwork (floor exercises done on a mat) as well as an extensive repertoire of apparatus work done on equipment known as the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Wunda Chair, Guillotine, Barrels, Magic Circles, and several other primary pieces. The names might be quirky, but the apparatus is that of a genius. Joe was an inventor and his apparatus is a major reason that the Pilates method is so effective and in demand for rehabilitation and corrective exercises as well as general conditioning.

Joe was often quoted as saying “I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier.” 

At its core, the Pilates Method is a health and conditioning regime. Joe’s intention was to offer people the way to find and maintain good health and strength, and to prevent illness or injury. The fact that it is so widely referred to by medical and rehab practitioners is an extension of it’s scientific basis and the way it addresses physical corrections, mental clarity and internal cleansing and strengthening.

The Pilates Method is a whole body health practice focusing on integrated movement. It should be taught by a qualified instructor to ensure you use correct biomechanics, minimum repetitions to ensure you only work with good form and focus, and specific breathing. Workouts should be energizing, physically invigorating, and tailored to help each individual to improve their physical and mental health.

Make sure your Pilates trainer is properly qualified - the minimum qualification for a comprehensively trained instructor is a government accredited Diploma Pilates. For more information on Pilates training visit Pilates International Training Centre.

Pilates Matwork – portable and social

Pilates Matwork is one of the most useful formats for undertaking Pilates. It can be done in large
 or small groups or by yourself, no matter where you are in your day, life, or around the world. All
you need is a mat and your list of exercises and you have a full body stimulating, detoxing, 

and conditioning workout.

 Pilates Apparatus – in the studio

Pilates on the Apparatus offers the addition of spring resistance and a wide variety of shapes and instruments that help people achieve ranges of movement that they otherwise wouldn’t be able do, and to achieve challenging strength and control work with the assistance of the equipment. The apparatus work is done in specialized studios or health centres where the instructors work with you in one on one or small group sessions (max 4) to help you progress the most effectively. Although you can’t take the large apparatus with you to work on – some of it is like a four poster bed – there are wonderful pieces of small apparatus that offer additional benefits to matwork. Items like the Magic Circle are original Pilates devices for upping the ante on your mat workouts, and these days we see a lot of people adding bands, balls, rollers and the like to the matwork exercises to vary the outcome. There are endless variations of Pilates exercises, but it is crucial to understand that all Pilates work should be done with focused application of the original principles of the method as established by Joe Pilates himself. The principles are:

Breathing - Centering – Concentration - Control – Flowing Movement – Precision

Pilates for Dry July

Not only is Pilates a great way to help eliminate toxins and cleanse your organs, but if you do a sequence of Pilates exercises whenever you feel a craving for that cheeky glass of wine or a coldie, you will find the craving pass and your neural responses alter, changing the desire. Pilates connects the brain with the body and this focus on messages between the mental and physical creates new patterns.

Pilates exercises also work deeply into the internal organs – the aim is to engage the deepest and smallest muscle tissues in the body as well as the larger more obvious muscles, and will enhance stimulation of the lymphatic system which relies on movement as it’s pump for eliminating toxins from the body. Because the Pilates method increases range and depth of movement by nature of the principles of application, both these elements of exercising are enhanced in a holistic and nurturing way, giving the body, brain and psyche both cleansing and stimulating effects.

In my next article for Dry July Wellbeing I will be giving you an ideal sequence of Pilates exercises to achieve stimulation and detox during your challenge.

Get ready to feel the wonderful effects of great health and inspiring movement through the Pilates Method!

By Sally Anderson

www.pilatesint.com