Pilates Beginnings

Over the past twelve months my friends and I have taken up Pilates (pronounced puh-lah-teez) at the gym. Needless to say, we have all gotten stronger and leaner from the Pilates classes we’ve enjoyed.

Of course, at first when our instructor led us through The Hundred it was a joke! I was immediately convinced there was no way my arms would ever “pump” up and down 100 times while my lungs were breathing in and out at the correct moment in time. But that was then… and this is twelve months later… and I have learned so much about the Pilates basics and I have gotten so much better at the core Pilates exercises… that these days, I feel pretty good about myself!

Joseph H. Pilates served as a nurse during World War I and while working in England he developed a series of exercises to help bed-bound patients regain their strength. Joseph attached springs to the mattresses of bed-bound patients and designed exercises in which the patients would either push or pull against the springs to create resistance. While utilizing spring resistance, the patients were able to move in a controlled and safe fashion.

This allowed the muscles to work in such a manner that they were toned and lengthened at the same time. Even Joseph’s earliest method was based on the quality of the movement and not the quantity. In 1926, Joseph Pilates moved to New York City and introduced his method of conditioning to the United States. Dancers and athletes caught on immediately as they quickly developed an appreciation for the Pilates method.

When arriving here in the United States, Pilates used the Reformer for his clients. This piece of exercise equipment was designed like the hospital beds to which he attached springs in England. Complete with a sliding board and springs, Pilates could adjust the tension on the springs to create more or less tension based on the needs his exercise client.

A few decades later, Joseph decided to improve his method of Pilates. Previously a client had to utilize exercise equipment such as the Reformer to perform Pilates but with the development of a new exercise program, Joseph’s clients were able to perform the Pilates movements on mats without the use of any machines. This one change caused his following to increase even more.

Man, woman, boy, girl, in shape or out of shape… almost anyone can do Pilates. Many mothers-to-be even practice Pilates during pregnancy. Many report that the gentle movements of Pilates are easy on the body, especially joints during pregnancy.

One of the true current day pioneers of Pilates is Mari Winsor, the creator of Winsor Pilates. Mari Winsor created what she calls “dynamic sequencing”. Based on the original teachings of Joseph H. Pilates, Winsor’s theory is that exercises performed in a specific order and rhythm are more effective. Winsor Pilates has a strong and passionate following.

Pilates is a safe and purposeful exercise designed to improve your strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Thank you Joseph H. Pilates… your vision has served us well. If you have never tried Pilates, perhaps with just a few minutes each week, you too might find a new exercise that will benefit you for years to come.

Pilates Basics

Pilates Basics is the foundation of exercises originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates to benefit bed-bound patients during World War I. Pilates developed a series of basic exercises designed to help patients tone and lengthen their muscles. Eventually he brought his Pilates basics to New York where he developed a loyal following.

The basics of Pilates include exercises designed to help you improve balance, coordination, strength and flexibility. Mental concentration on the exercises and mental concentration on specific breathing sequences combine to create this beneficial exercise.

The secret to Pilates is in the “powerhouse”. In Pilates basics you quickly learn that the core of the body, the abdomen, is called the “powerhouse”. All movements are designed to work your body as an entire unit, a whole, in order to provide an exercise program that works the muscles through their full range of motion.

It is the muscles of the abdomen and the spine that are the focus of “powerhouse” in Pilates. The abdominal muscles are made up of the rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques. Pilates basics focuses on creating strong abdominal and spinal muscles which work together to improve strength, coordination, flexibility and balance.

While Pilates is a kinder and gentler exercise, similar to yoga, it should not be mistaken for a “wimpy” exercise. Ask devotees of Winsor Pilates and they will be the first to tell you that Mari Winsor has created a Pilates exercise designed around “dynamic sequencing”. With “dynamic sequencing” Winsor Pilates aggressively works the core of to create a longer and leaner body.

Because Pilates is not a joint-jarring exercise, it can be practiced by people at varying fitness levels. But make no mistake, this is indeed a workout. However, this exercise workout will leave you feeling invigorated and strong. Pilates will leave you feeling taller, leaner, energized and confident. The breathing exercises that accompany all Pilates movements will help you to feel calmer and more centered.

Why not give it a try? Pilates basics is simply a group of exercises accompanied by specific breathing routines designed to help strengthen, tone and lengthen your muscles…especially those of the “powerhouse”. More energy, confidence, strength…yes, that makes Pilates basics sound like a plan for me!