|
Developed from the 1920's by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H.
Pilates, the Pilates Method is a series of approximately 500 exercises across a wide range of
specially designed exercise equipment, used for
Fitness Pilates and Rehabilitation
Pilates. Whether in
Sydney, Singapore, San Diego or Southampton, there
are three components to the exercise Method The
Principles, The Exercises, The Equipment:
The
Principles
More
complex than other forms of exercises, Pilates, a
fusion of western and eastern philosophies,
teaches you about breathing with movement, body
mechanics, balance, co-ordination, positioning of
the body, spatial awareness, strength and
flexibility. For full benefit of the method,
you’ll learn to flow from one movement to the next
building stamina and cardiovascular fitness, with
the basic principles of the Pilates exercise
repertoire:
- Centring
- Alignment
- Breathing
- Control
- Precision
- Flowing Movement
- Relaxation
However, every studio, teacher, book, video
and training organisation may introduce variations
and different emphasis on these Principles.
The
Exercises
Pilates
and yoga share similar goals, with both systems
believing in individual progress in a
non-competitive arena, with emphasis on stretching
as well as strengthening of muscles. However, the
Pilates system works the body as a whole,
co-ordinating the upper and lower musculature with
the body’s centre. This dramatically improves
strength, flexibility, posture and co-ordination.
The
Equipment
The
most popular exercise repertoire in the world is
the floor matwork, due to its accessibility, found
in health clubs, leisure centres or church halls.
However, a fully equipped Pilates studio would
have other spring and gravity based resistance
equipment:
- Reformers
- Circles
- Cadillac/Trap Table
- Wunda Chair
- Pedipull
- Barrels
- Ladder Barrel
The most common piece of equipment in any
Pilates studio is the “Reformer”(a moveable
carriage for pushing and pulling). Invented in the
1940’s by Joseph Pilates, the older style
reformers, traditionally utilised springs as
resistance, however, manufacturers over recent
years have introduced many innovations such as
lightweight and modern materials, adjustability,
and gravity resistance. This has lead to the
Reformers being the most popular piece of Pilates
equipment throughout the world today.
Fitness Pilates or Rehabilitation
Pilates?
It is
now widely accepted that there are two types of
Pilates applications. The Principles of the
Pilates Method remain the same, however variations
occur in types of applications and training
background of instructors.
Fitness Pilates
In achieving fitness through Pilates, your
motives may be Health Related (general fitness),
Performance Related (sports training) or as
Remedial Therapy (postural improvement).
Types of applications: matwork
classes, equipment classes, studio sessions,
books, videos and home use equipment.
Training Background/Types of
Instructors: Dancers, Personal Trainers, Gym
Instructors, Alexander Teachers, Yoga and Aerobics
teachers and ex-clients of the Pilates Method.
Rehabilitation
Pilates
Rehabilitation Pilates is usually sought
after injury. The exercises are predominately
taught on the Pilates equipment, on a one-to-one
basis with the instructor.
Types of
applications: Structural back problems, hips,
knees, neck trauma, severe silicosis, and joint
injuries.
Training Background/ types of instructors:
Physiotherapists/Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Remedial Therapists, Pilates
Instructors working closely with a specialist, Pilates Instructors with further relevant training qualifications.
|
