What Is Pilates?
|

The Power of Pilates: Unleashing Your Inner Artist

Pilates is a complete physical fitness system that Joseph Pilates created in the early 1900s.

It aims to develop six key areas of your physical fitness, known as the ‘Principles of Pilates’, which are breathing, concentration, control, center, flow, and precision.

Here, we will give a detailed overview of Pilates, its history, and its core principles.

The History Of Pilates

Joseph Pilates studied Eastern and Western yoga in his early life and practiced many other popular physical training regimes in Germany during the early 20th century

. He also believed that mental and physical health were directly related and that exercise programs should strengthen the human body and mind.

These beliefs and his experiences with the various types of physical training led Joseph Pilates to develop Contrology. This exercise program would enhance a person’s mental and physical health and would later become known as Pilates.

Pilates: Exercise Encyclopedia
  • Timón, Vicky (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 282 Pages – 07/23/2022 (Publication Date) – Pila Teleña (Publisher)

Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Joseph Pilates began teaching Contrology in an internment camp on the Isle Of Man, where he was detained during World War I.

Many of the people he taught Contrology survived the 1918 flu pandemic, which is widely believed to have been due to their enhanced physical health due to practicing Contrology.

After World War I, Joseph Pilates returned to Germany and taught his Contrology method to police officers.

He was later pressured into teaching Contrology to the German army and emigrated to the United States shortly after.

Joseph Pilates arrived in the United States during the mid-1920s and then set up a studio in New York City, where he and his wife taught Contrology to students until the 1960s.

In addition to his practical teachings, Joseph Pilates authored two books on Contrology – Your Health: A Corrective System Of Exercising That Revolutionizes The Entire Field Of Physical Education (1934) and Return To Life Through Contrology (1945).

Many of Joseph Pilates’s original students also went on to open up their studios and teach Contrology.

Today, there are two main forms of Pilates – Classical/Traditional Pilates and Modern Pilates.

Classical/Traditional Pilates is based on the original works of Joseph Pilates, while Modern Pilates adapts these original teachings in various ways that Joseph Pilates does not endorse.

$4.00
Pilates Bar Kit with Resistance Bands, Multifunctional Yoga Pilates Bar with Heavy-Duty Metal Adjustment Buckle, Portable Home Gym Pilates Resistance Bar for Women Full Body Workouts(20-150LBS)-Pink
  • [Superior Yoga Pilates Bar Kit]: COFOF Pilates bar composed of 3 steel pipes, with high-density non-slip protection pad, and can perform stable & safe exercises even if sweat during exercise. 6 resistance bands equipped are made of natural latex, and three kinds of resistance can be freely matched with different intensities to 20-150 LBS. 2 Handles have soft padding to prevent chafing against your skin, suitable for 5.2’-5.8’tall beginners or professionals to practice.
  • [Upgraded Metal Adjustment Buckle]: Our pilates bar come with newly upgraded heavy-duty metal adjustment buckle and nylon rope with clear graduations. Just press the button easily, you can adjust the nylon rope to the desired length more quickly and accurately when training different movements. The adjustable ranges from 4.3 inches to 18 inches. Our pilates bar kit with resistance bands are suitable for those who are between 5.2′-5.8′ height to practice.
  • [Easy Installation and Disassembly]: Pilates bar with three circle threaded , ten seconds to complete the connection and disassembly of the stick, very easy to operate. It won’t break as easily as a button broken and doesn’t need to be twisted too many times. The included portable bag allows you to easily store all the accessories of the multifunctional pilates bar kit and save a lot of space. You can take it with you when exercise outdoors or travel, and all accessories weigh only 2.87 pounds.
  • [Multifunctional Pilates Bar Kit]: Upgraded pilates bar set can be used for yoga, pilates, stretching, fitness and other training programs, exercising your arms, legs, buttocks, waist, neck and back. As long as you use it to do different movements, you can shape and maintain a perfect figure. 20lbs, 25lbs and 30lbs of resistance bands can be combined into 20lbs to 150lbs of resistance to meet the needs of various exercises. Door anchor, handles, and ankle straps enrich your exercise methods.
  • [COFOF Pilates Resistance Bar Kit]: Our portable pilates bar kit includes 3 sections of screwed steel pipes, 6 resistance bands can be replaced & combined, 2 handles with soft high-density padding, 2 foot straps, 1 door anchor, 2 Ankle Straps, and 1 portable bag. We provide pilates bar workout posters and detailed instruction. Any questions about quality or use method, we will quickly provide you with an answer. Your complete satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The 6 Principles Of Pilates

In 1980, Gail Eisen and Philip Friedman published The Pilates Method Of Physical & Mental Conditioning (1980), which contained six principles of Pilates: Breathing, Center, Concentration, Control, Flow, and Precision.

These principles have now been widely accepted as the foundation of the Pilates exercise system.

The section below discusses each of these six principles in greater detail:

  1. Breathing: Joseph Pilates stated that proper breathing was cleansing and invigorating and referred to it as ‘bodily house-cleaning with blood circulation’. He believed Pilates practitioners should fully inhale and completely exhale during every breath.  Each inhale should be directed laterally into the back and sides of the lower rib cage, while each exhale should fully engage the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. This breathing technique should be coordinated with each Pilates movement.
  1. Center: Every Pilates movement starts from the center, often called the powerhouse. Pilates exercises should flow outward from the center to the extremities.
  1. Concentration: Staying focused while you work is essential for Pilate’s success. Practitioners are encouraged to fully concentrate on what their body is doing. At the same time, they perform each of the movements, as how the exercises are completed is more important than the actual exercises themselves.
  1. Control: Control was one of the driving principles behind the formation of chronology. Joseph Pilates believed that by fully concentrating on each movement, you could fully control each muscle in your body and not be at its mercy.
  1. Flow: Pilates movements are meant to be flowing and graceful, and during each workout, you should seamlessly transition from one exercise to the next. Every movement should also flow from the body’s center to the extremities.
  1. Precision: Performing Pilates exercises with precision ensures the maximum benefit. Fully concentrating on each movement helps you master the proper form and also allows you to carry this precision into the movements you perform in everyday life.

Pilates Equipment

Pilates workouts involve a combination of mat exercises and exercises that use specially designed Pilates apparatus.

This Pilates apparatus uses springs to lengthen and strengthen the muscles in your body, boost your joint flexibility, and enhance your range of motion.

The section below lists the main Pilates apparatus that is used during the workouts:

  1. Universal Reformer (Reformer): The Universal Reformer is probably the most popular piece of Pilates equipment. It allows people to exercise in a horizontal plane which helps to reduce pressure on the joints and properly aligns the body without it being affected by gravitational forces. Joseph Pilates developed over 100 movements that could be performed on the Universal Reformer.
  1. Arm Chair (Baby Chair): The Arm Chair is designed to develop upper body strength, stability, and posture. It allows people to perform various arm movements from a seated position.
  1. High Chair (Electric Chair): The High Chair can perform various lower body exercises and strengthen your leg muscles while boosting the flexibility of your ankles.
  1. Ladder Barrel (Large Barrel): The Ladder Barrel aims to enhance the flexibility of your spine and strengthen your core. It can be used to perform a range of abdominal and lower back exercises.
  1. Magic Circle: The Magic Circle is another well-known piece of Pilates equipment and one of the most simplistic tools designed by Joseph Pilates. It provides light to medium resistance and can target your arms and legs.
  1. Pedi-Pole: The Pedi-Pole is a long pole with two spring-loaded handles that perform several balance, resistance, and flexibility exercises.
  1. Small Barrel (Half Barrel): The Small Barrel is a piece of Pilates equipment that resembles a half barrel. It’s designed to support your lower back while performing core and leg exercises.
  1. Spine Corrector: The Spine Corrector is a versatile Pilates tool that allows you to stretch out your spine while you exercise.
  1. Trapeze Table (Cadillac): The Trapeze Table can be used to practice a wide range of exercises that target your entire body. It can be used from a lying or hanging position and operated with both your hands and legs.
  1. Wunda Chair: The Wunda Chair is a small box-shaped piece of equipment with a spring-loaded pedal on one side. It can be operated with both your feet and hands and is a great choice for strengthening your arms, legs, and core.

Pilates equipment Summary

Pilates equipment enhances the Pilates workout experience by providing resistance, support, and assistance during exercises.

The essential Pilates equipment includes the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel, each serving specific purposes and targeting different muscle groups.

The Reformer is known for its versatility, allowing various exercises suitable for all fitness levels.

On the other hand, the Cadillac offers exercises focusing on spinal alignment, flexibility, and strength.

The Chair provides a challenging full-body workout targeting core muscles, balance, and stability.

The Barrels support stretching, flexibility, and posture improvement, making them ideal for individuals with back issues or those aiming to enhance their posture].

Pilates apparatus like the Magic Circle and Tower expand the exercise variety and offer additional benefits, such as muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.

Resistance bands and exercise balls are valuable additions, particularly for home workouts, as they provide adjustable resistance, enhance instability for core engagement, and effectively target specific muscle groups.

Pilates equipment is essential for creating a well-rounded and challenging workout that promotes muscle strength, flexibility, core stability, and overall body alignment.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *