The Benefits of Pilates

Life With Lisa

Many times each week I am asked to define Pilates. So I thought I would start off by giving each of us a working definition. A working definition is not complete but is a starting point. PILATES is a movement system that uses spring-driven machines as well as a series of floor exercise to increase strength, flexibility, stamina and concentration of the body and the mind.

Pilates was invented in the early 20th Century by Joseph Pilates. He combined Eastern modes of exercise such as Yoga and Tai Chi with Western practices such as aerobics and weight training to create his exercise method. The emphasis of Pilates is to lengthen and strengthen the muscles. The Pilates Body is like a dancer’s body: agile, long, lean toned and trim. Joseph Pilates promised that in ten sessions you will feel the difference. In twenty, you will see the difference and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body. Pilates benefits everyone from post-rehabilitation patients to athletes.

The mat work is the original work and is great, but the equipment enhances the experience and the results. The spring system assists and enables the body to achieve greater flexibility and range of motion in the different planes of movement. This enhances proprioception, restores joint mobility and provides an ultimate physical and mental challenge. The most popular piece of equipment is the Reformer. Other pieces include the Chair, the Trapeze Table (the Cadillac), the Ladder Barrel, and the Spine Corrector.

Life can be stressful to our bodies. As we age and do repetitive motions we usually become more imbalanced. We swing the golf club or tennis racquets the same way; we carry our purse/ brief case in the same hand or our children on our hip. Our daily activities cause us to overuse specific muscles. Pilates is a great way to provide balance to our musculo-skeletal system. The exercises, which make up the Pilates movement system will straighten, strengthen and stretch your frame while stabilizing your core/ trunk. It should not replace other forms of exercise once you adopt Pilates into your routine. All exercise is good for you. But some can be better for you than others. Run, bike, swim and hike! Just keep moving and do Pilates! Pilates will enhance and complement your daily life and exercise program. It will help you look better, perform better and feel better. Pilates must be experienced to appreciate the benefits. Feel free to visit our studio for a test glide on our special Pilates equipment today.

Lisa Klein, Program Director, Co-Owner Integrated Fitness

Edited by Jonna Schengel, M.A., P.T., Co-Owner Integrated Fitness.