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What is Pilates?
Based on interview with Jennifer Horvath, Director of pilates and Master Trainer at Victoria Park, Westmount, QC
Pilates that you do in your local gym is based off of what a man named Joseph Pilates used to do in the 1920s. At that time he was healing injured soldiers with his methods and then later developed his methods further by working with professional dancers, which led to a more graceful and fluid movement.
Pilates' technique was geared towards activating the core muscles which are in your torso, which is where everything comes from, or your 'powerhouse' as well as being particularly aware of your breathing. Because of the activation of these core muscles, there is a great strengthening effect, which in turn greatly enhances people's posture and helps reduce lower back pain.
Pilates is great for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is excellent as part of a method to get in shape, but it is important to remember that there is not a cardiovascular component to the Pilates method, so this should not be the only form of exercise you do. Horvath recommends doing pilates once or twice weekly if you are active with other things. Initially a beginner can start with more and then reduce the number of times they do pilates weekly in order to correct old habits.
Different facilities will teach different styles of pilates. These can differ in terms of the workout, suggested breathing techniques, whether there is a therapeutic or corrective aspect to the technique, and what sequences are used.
How Will Pilates Benefit Me?
- Relaxation
- Strengthen core ( deep abdominal muscles)
- GREAT for posture
- GREAT for lower back pain
- Enhances sport performance
- Injury rehabilitation
- Gentle but has great strengthening effects
- Mind and body technique