Pilates

Strength, Control, Flexibility, Awareness
By Linnea Sheldon

April 2006 – According to Peter Gibbs, owner of BodyMind Balance in Worcester, “Pilates is a method of body conditioning that integrates muscle control, proper breathing, flexibility, strength training, and body awareness.”

“Pilates exercise makes use of varied routines and equipment that keep things interesting and challenging for mind and body,” explained Mr. Gibbs.  “Training includes floor-based workouts performed on mats, workouts on specialized large equipment with curious names like Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder-Barrel, and Chair as well as a variety of small equipment like flexbands, fitness balls, fitness circles, arc barrels and weighted balls.”

The Pilates method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s and is now one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the world.  Mr. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and began studying anatomy as a young child.  He was an accomplished gymnast, skier, and diver and in 1912 made his way to England, where he became a self-defense instructor.  He further developed his exercise method during World War I while working with ill and injured patients.  In the early 1920s he came to the U.S. and opened his first body-conditioning studio, where his Pilates method gained popularity with dancers as a way to condition their bodies and increase flexibility.

Mr. Pilates continued to train clients until his death in 1967 at age 87.  A Beverly Hills studio opened up in the 70s and many celebrities began to practice the method.  The Pilates method did not gain broad exposure until the late 1980s when the media began to take interest.

“The Pilates method features a series of more than 500 exercises that are performed slowly with concentration,” explained Gibbs. “The primary goals are to strengthen and stabilize the ‘core muscles’ of the abdomen, lower back, and buttocks, which enable the rest of the body to move freely and to improve alignment of the spine. Working the deep layers of abdominal muscles builds a strong base of support for the spine.  A stronger, more stable, better-aligned spine results in improved posture, movement and balance. Pilates also focuses on joint mobility and working the arms and legs, with the aim of improving muscle tone, strength and flexibility.  The exercises are specific but the clients are not ~ all ages and fitness levels can practice Pilates.”

This low-impact method focuses on mind/body connections.  Proper breathing, concentration, and pelvic and spinal alignment are all stressed.  In Pilates, the quality of the movement is emphasized rather than quantity.  When done properly Pilates is an excellent form of stress reduction, body toning, and strengthening.  It is designed to help increase the balance between flexibility and strength while creating a stable core which improves coordination and posture.  It has also been shown to alleviate back pain.
Proponents of the Pilates method claim it helps a practitioner to achieve a long, lean body that is strong without adding bulk like typical strength training moves do.  By practicing the method regularly you will strengthen your core, which will lead to flat abs and a strong, supported back.  Pilates also creates an evenly sculpted body which focuses on strength and flexibility from head to toe, and does not focus unevenly on any one part of the body.

As a form of injury prevention and recovery, Pilates’ smooth, flowing movements train the body to work in a more efficient and effective way.  The method is also very gentle on the body, which is why many rehabilitation specialists use it.  Many of the exercises are performed while seated or lying down, and they are both low weight-bearing and low impact.

Another benefit of the Pilates method is that it does not require expensive equipment.  Classes are offered at local fitness facilities, Pilates studios, and rehabilitation centers everywhere, but it can also be done at home.  Pilates techniques can be learned through books, videos, and DVDs as well.  It is best to learn the basics from a trained Pilates instructor who can guide you through proper form and alignment cues, but once you are comfortable you can do it on your own just about anywhere.

BodyMind Balance is located at 102 Grove Street in Worcester.
For more information about group classes and private sessions, call 508 – 754 – 3327 or visit www.bodymindbalance-ma.com/