Pilates Body Conditioning

The Pilates method of exercise is taught by many people in many different ways and with various approaches. The method was designed by a man called Joseph Pilates in the early 1900's. He was a visionary in his advanced approach towards health and fitness and many of his beliefs are considered to be vital to our modern understanding of physical health. As his method has been around for so long, (being taught by many people over many continents and because he drew greatly on many other methods, including Yoga) it is not always easy to explain exactly what Pilates is, however it has certain principles which underlie it.

The word “integrity” is described by the Chambers Concise 20th Century Dictionary as”... entireness, wholeness: the unimpaired state of anything: uprightness: honesty: purity...“. This definition is I feel, very fitting for the Pilates method as my understanding of Pilates is that it restores or creates body integrity.

This is achieved through the application of certain principles which underlie the method. One of the most beneficial of these is the mind/body aspect which requires that a conscious effort (concentration) is applied to all the exercises. This ensures that an understanding of the body is developed and therefore that the ‘integrity’ that is being developed is something which will exist beyond the studio.

Pilates strives to create a body that is able to work without undue tension. Tension is often the root cause of injury and incorrect or imbalanced muscle usage is often the cause of tension. It makes sense therefore that a body which is able to work without undue tension is less likely to be injured and is also likely to work more effectively. This requires concentration and understanding (or mind/body communication), creating a strong center / girdle of strength (by engaging transversus abdominis especially), correct body alignment (e.g.maintaining a neutral pelvis so that the correct muscles are able to work) all of which enable strong, flowing and coordinated movements. Creating a strong center from which this ‘integrity’ can flow is a vital component ofthe Pilates method. No ‘wholeness’ is possible unless there is a strong center from which to develop. The constant requirement of engaging the ‘girdle of strength’ throughout is vital as without it, no alignment or coordination would be possible.

The body is a complex but closed system and anything that is unbalanced within it will create problems elsewhere in it. A strong center ensures that the body is able to retain its alignment and ensures that the correct muscles for any action are able to be engaged. This brings us to the use of relaxation.

Breathing (i.e. lateral breathing is used as a catalyst for many of these underlying principles. Many disciplines, especially those dealing with relaxation, use breathing as a way of channeling concentration and effort. When you are focused on how you are breathing you are highly unlikely to be thinking about your bank manager at the same time! This allows you to mentally relax which will allow you to focus on the task at hand and will enable physical relaxation to follow. Lateral breathing also frees the rib cage and thoracic spine by creating movement and suppleness which in turn promotes relaxation amongst other things. Also, by breathing through movements, tension is less likely to build up and distort the body’s alignment, thereby also ensuring that the movements can flow gracefully. Breathing laterally is also one of the best ways of creating a ‘girdle of strength’ as an out breath reminds one to engage transversus abdominis which is one of the most important posture stabilising muscles.

Very few people have a body without flaws. We all have a basic structure with inherent or created strengths and weaknesses. Stress, injury, aging and illness all take their toll on our bodies. We are however extremely fortunate that we have minds which are able to control our bodies to such a large extent. It is thus the mind / body of Pilates which makes it so exciting and special as it opens a whole new and largely untapped world to so many of us.

The Pilates method is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It has proven beneficial for injury rehabilitation, back problems, hip problems and injuries, incontinence, pre and post natal programmes, weight loss, tension, headaches, constipation, insomnia, postural problems, kyphosis/lordosis and for those who dislike or who are unable to do aerobic type exercises. It is a gentle but extremely effective method and is recommended by many chiropractors and physiotherapists.

For more information you are welcome to contact me to discuss how the Pilates method can be of benefit to you.

Please remember that Pilates is a non competitive activity and that its goals might require you to think in a way that you are unused to! It is a slow, accumulative learning process which challenges each individual differently. As such, a positive outlook and a sense of humour will always be welcomed in any lesson. The studio is run on a ‘course’ basis to assist and encourage the discipline required for regular attendance. A course consists of 10 lessons.