Pilates in recent years has become very popular and I think for some very good reasons. The problem comes when people try Pilates without really knowing what it is or what it can do for them. They start a class and are disappointed when it does not meet their expectations!
Pilates differs from many traditional exercise programmes as it focuses both on strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight areas (often in the same exercise). Its focus is on good posture and form and is often quoted as ‘intelligent exercise’.
This document will address these issues and tell you simply what Pilates is, what it can do for you and more importantly what it isn’t and what it can’t do.
People who practice Pilates regularly are also more “Chilled out” and relaxed to quote Joseph Pilates “It is the mind which builds the body” and Pilates addresses both the mind and the body together as one unit not separated as in many other types of exercise.
Physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and doctors often recommend Pilates for their clients’ rehabilitation. This endorsement simply indicates that . . . .Pilates works!
Pilates has been shown to improve sport performance. Because with most sports a stable and strong core is essential to be able to move and turn quickly.
There is no point in being powerfully built if your body has become rigid and restricted in its range of movement. More and more sports coaches now employ structural fitness exercises based on Pilates principles to help athletes become better at their chosen sport.
Bob Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
We are your latest guinea pigs and we are very impressed with the content. We were able to follow the exercises without any problems.
However we were unable to log out! Are we missing something?!!
Hi Mick,
You don’t need to log out – the system will automatically log you out after a period of inactivity.
Bob
I’ve just done the mobilization exercises. All very comprehensive and easy to follow. However, you tell me how to get down onto the floor – but you don’t tell me how to get up!!
In the clip where Bob is lying on the floor with his feet towards the camera so we can see that he’s lying in a straight line, we can’t actually see his feet! I think that was the supine exercise.
It might be helpful if you mentioned at the end of each exercise that “this is the end of this exercise”.
Very impressed with Bob’s standing knee lift. Wish I could do it!! But I’m practicing. It might be a good idea to mention pressing the hands together to keep balanced.
I’m going to have a sit down now, but I will do some more later. I think it’s great!
Love from
Mick