Many of you will have heard the word 'Pilates' and have a vague idea of what it means - it is often used as a catch-all term for various exercise methods. But what is Pilates really, and where did it come from?
Joseph Pilates… Where It All Began
Joseph Humbertus Pilates was born in Germany in 1883, moving to England in 1912. He suffered quite a number of health problems as a child, including asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. This motivated him to study anatomy and develop a series of exercises to strengthen his own body.
During World War I, Joseph was interned in England where he began developing his method, initially using springs from hospital beds to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. After the war, he emigrated to the United States where he opened his first studio in New York City.
What is Pilates?
The Pilates method is very much a 'mind-body' technique, with a heavy focus on movement starting from the centre (or 'core') of the body. It emphasises proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and concentration on smooth, flowing movement.
The Exercises - Matwork Pilates
The matwork repertoire of exercises consists of 34 exercises that each has 4-5 different levels that provide progressions and regressions to suit all abilities. This makes Pilates accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.
Pilates - The Principles
The following 8 principles underpin all of the Pilates exercises and method:
1. Breathing
In Pilates, the breath is essential - with exhalation during movements of the greatest effort, as the diaphragm along with transversus abdominis (one of the primary stabilising muscles of the lumbo-pelvic region) are activated as the abdominal pressure changes.
2. Concentration
Pilates exercises require the mind to focus on control of movement, so it is a workout for the mind and body!
3. Control
Control with all exercises is essential to ensure the correct movement patterns and alignment.
4. Centering
The 'centre' or 'core' is the powerhouse with all Pilates exercises. This area is progressively challenged through the stages of each exercise to improve strength in this area.
5. Precision
Precision of each movement comes with greater body awareness and control. This is more of a long-term goal with Pilates.
6. Flow
Exercises in a Pilates class are taught in a smooth continual flowing sequence.
7. Integrated Isolation
Exercises are designed to isolate muscle groups in order to allow for specific strengthening of weak areas. Progression is then made to enable these isolated movements to be integrated into functional everyday and useful movements, making us fit for what life throws our way!
8. Routine
Repetition of familiar exercises and movement patterns deepens our body's awareness and quality of movement. Pilates is not a quick fix, but a philosophy for life and its ever-changing demands that can be integrated into regular practice for the best results.
Conclusion
Pilates is a method of exercise that has been developed over many years, with a real focus on strengthening the body from the centre outwards. Whether you are new to exercise or looking to complement your existing fitness routine, Pilates offers benefits for everyone.
Ready to experience the benefits of physiotherapist-led Pilates? Book your first class today.