Pilates: A Non-Aerobic Exercise for Holistic Fitness

Pilates doesn’t work your muscles into exhaustion that’s why there’s no straining or sweating involved.
What’s needed is intense concentration and proper breathing while doing each movement. Through a series of slow, controlled movements, it improves your “core” muscles. It lengthens and stretches all major muscle groups of your body in a balanced manner, through rhythm and breathing patterns.

The foundation of Pilates exercise is the core strength because when core muscles are strong and functioning properly, they work well with the other muscles and movements of the body. This develops stability throughout your entire torso, improving posture and overcoming back pain.

The Pilates Method is currently divided into two styles:

1. Classical or Authentic Pilates (which is what we practice in our studio)

• The exercises are in order and don’t vary from lesson to lesson.
• The instructors stay close to Joseph Pilate’s original work and use equipment that’s built to his specifications.
• The instructors are trained on Joseph Pilates’ complete system of exercises through his
       protégés.

2. Contemporary or Modern Pilates

• The method is broken down into several parts.
• The order of the exercises varies from lesson to lesson.
• Modifications are made to the original exercises.

Benefits of Pilates

More individuals have preferred doing Pilates workout because of its positive and holistic results. Here are some of the reasons it’s becoming so popular all over the world:

• Develops core strength
• Improves muscle strength, balance and tone
• Increases flexibility
• Improves posture
• Rehabilitates or prevents muscle-related injuries
• Increases lung capacity and circulation
• Improves concentration
• Increases body-mind awareness
• Improves stress management and relaxation
• Provides a whole-body fitness training, which includes breathing and concentration
• Increases energy
• Promotes weight loss and a perfectly toned appearance

The Six Principles of Pilates

The health and life benefits stated above are achievable because Pilates focuses on six basic principles
that aim for a holistic mind-body awareness, balance and improvement. Here are the core foundations based on Joseph Pilates’ philosophy of the Art of Contrology:
1. Centering

• Focuses on the body’s centre – between the lower ribs and pubic bone

2. Concentration

• Brings full attention to each movement

3. Control

• Maintains complete muscular control in every movement

4. Precision

• Sustains awareness throughout each movement to keep proper placement and alignment of body parts

5. Breath

• Uses full, well-coordinated breathing while doing the exercises

6. Flow

• Keeps a fluid, graceful and even manner in each movement

If you want to achieve a stronger, longer, leaner, more flexible, and more balanced body – without
straining your muscles, then join a Pilates class for a holistic development. It’s an individualised exercise that specialises on your specific needs. And once you get used to it, you’ll realise how easily it slips into your everyday activities.

Contact us today to learn more about our Pilates classes.

“If you are applying the pilates method correctly you will see a change in your body,” Cynthia Lochard said at “The Uses of Springs” seminar she gave on February 20 at the Pilates Method studio in Surry Hills.

Springs used in Pilates equipment like the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Electric Chair and Cadillac are an extra tool Pilates instructors have to address imbalances and weaknesses in their clients bodies. Many of the Pilates equipment work on the principle of isometrics – holding the body still while moving the muscles – which strengthens the body while creating stability or as Cynthia put it “Dynamic posture through the use of springs”.

Joseph Pilates developed the various apparatus according to very precise specifications and dimensions based on his knowledge of the body in movement. The apparatus were designed to   fire up the desired muscles. It is because of this clients often find the mat work – although working on the same principle of isometrics - more challenging at first,

Taking participants through a reformer mat, to kick-start the seminar she urged people to use “their Imagination” to create the resistance springs would give them when working through the exercise.

If the body is not changing, she recommended reviewing spring settings and took participants through various case studies explaining how different spring settings could address various imbalances in the body.

For example, if your client is doing leg circles and you notice they have a contracted right side Cynthia recommended, placing the two springs on the contracted side. However if it is a weak right knee the balance of springs will be more loaded on the left side taking the pressure of the weak knee.

Working with lighter or heavier springs you can get the client to engage the muscles required to improve his work out. : Using heavier springs to shape the legs or working on lighter springs to teach people to use their powerhouse more deeply.

But she warned teachers against over instructing. “Pilates is about functionality of movement. It should never become stagnant,” she said