Pilates. Have you ever heard of it? Millions of fitness enthusiasts across this country have and are being guided by a qualified of Pilates Instructor. But, what is Pilates exactly and what do you need to know before you being training under this program?
Pilates, a combination of aerobics and yoga postures, is not as new as many would suspect. The system, where one is encouraged to make a mind-muscle connection, dates back to Joseph Pilates, a German who came to America in the 1920’s with a dream and a revolutionary new exercise concept originally called “contrology”. Sick and feeble as a child, Pilates devoted his entire life to improving his overall physical health and condition.
Today, the principles of breath awareness, spine alignment and torso strengthening are more popular than ever. But, what if you are new to this idea and interested in beginning a new program to incorporate in your fitness regimen?
We turned to Amanda Grove, a brand-new Pilates Instructor in Los Angeles for some valuable insight. Having just completed her Pilates Certification Program, Ms. Grove is eager to introduce people to this “profound exercise that will balance your body. It can be as moderate or as difficult as you want to make it,” she says enthusiastically.
“Whether you are beginning a program for the very first time or a seasoned athlete struggling with an injury, Pilates is terrific low-impact training that focuses on flexibility, strengthening the core and breathing properly,” she adds, enthusiastically.
Scientifically, Pilates refined his technique to assist in rehabilitating soldiers returning from World War One. By focusing on precise movements that stretched, controlled and stabilized major muscles, the ultimate body conditioning was born. He truly promoted the idea that physical health and mental stability were one of the same, a potent combination that would bring about mind-body balance.
“Because core postural muscles are what support the alignment of the spine, these restrictive movements are ideal for strong abdominal muscles and overall health”, Ms. Grove commented. “Breathing is a huge part of the training. There is a correct way to breathe, it just takes some time to learn. And, if you are injured, Pilates may not ‘cure’ the injury, but it will keep you strong and moving,” she suggested.
Traditionally, Pilates is taught on a resistance machine known as the “reformer”. Because of the high demand of our modern lifestyles, this contraption is not the most ideal to lug around from client to client the way a massage therapist would his/her table. So, many devotees have turned to the convenience of “mat Pilates”, simulating exercises and movements on a mat, instead of the large, but highly affective apparatus. “Most people think you should begin Pilates on the mat and then graduate to the reformer, but it’s just the opposite,” advises Ms. Grove. “However, mat Pilates is great. It is mobile, especially for clients who want me to come to them, but learning on the machine first is best”.
When asked about the greatest benefit of Pilates Instructor training, Ms. Grove responded, “overall health, well-being and great posture. People want instant transformation. Pilates will not give you that. But, at 55 minutes per session and 2-3 sessions per week, you will gain the ideal foundation for any other program you pursue for that ultimate body.”