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PILATES

What is Pilates?

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:

However, every studio, teacher, book, video and training organization 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-coordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body's center. 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 centers or church halls. However, a fully equipped Pilates studio would have other spring and gravity based resistance equipment:

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 utilized 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.