|
1. Who & What is Pilates?
Joseph Pilates at age 54 (1937) and on the Pilates
reformer
Joseph H. Pilates (1883-1967) was born in
Germany. He was a sickly boy with asthma & rickets. He was
determined to overcome his ailments. He developed exercises
and apparatus over the course of many years that assisted him
in developing a physique that was strong, powerful and moved
with ease. He shared his method of exercise with injured soldiers
while they were interned on the Isle of Man during World War
I. During that time, the 1918 Flu epidemic inflicted and killed
many in England. The interned soldiers were spared; it may be
in part because Joseph Pilates exercises required the body to
fully move, facilitating the movement of the lymphatic system,
and consequently boosting the immune system. In 1926 Joseph
Pilates immigrated to the United States, meeting his future
wife Clara on the boat ride across the Atlantic Ocean. Joseph
& Clara settled in New York City, setting up the first official
"Pilates" studio. During his lifetime Joseph Pilates
refer to his work as "The Art of Contrology". He developed
a clientele of devout ballet dancers, performers, boxers, and
business men.
The Pilates method of exercise is over 500 exercises done on
mat, or on various Pilates equipment such as the reformer, chair,
barrels, and cadillac. Pilates is a mind-body exercise. Pilates
exercise requires mental focus in order to isolate muscles and
then recruit them in a specific order. Pilates exercise is a
great stress buster because the mind-body focus is so strong
one must let go of all other thoughts and stresses. The Pilates
breath also contributes to stress release. Pilates exercise
will develop core abdominal strength, shoulder girdle stability,
improved posture, and a sense of overall well being.
    
STOTT PILATES® photography
© Merrithew Corporation
2. What is the STOTT PILATES® Method?
STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original
exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders
Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical
therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have
spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method
of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of
modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation,
making it one of the safest and effective methods available.
This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES
training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab
and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in
between.
3. How is Pilates similar to &
different from Yoga?
Pilates like Yoga is a mind-body exercise which can yield better
overall health. The emphasis of Pilates is toning & strengthening
the midsection as well as balancing opposing muscles of the
torso and the limbs. The Pilates breath may be different than
particular types of yoga. The STOTT PILATES method of breathing
involves breathing in through the nose and into the lower lobes
of the lungs, filling the ribcage post laterally, and not filling
the abdominal area. The exhale is elongated by blowing out through
slightly pursed lips as the rib cage lowers & weaves &
the pelvic floor lifts & as the abdominals flatten. In almost
every Pilates exercise there is movement with each breath. There
are no sustained static stretches like in Yoga. Stretches in
the Pilates repertoire are similar to the 2-second Active Isolated
stretching method of Aaron Mattes which facilitate fascia (muscle
packets) movement and avoid the possibility of over stretching
important form closure as in the ligaments that hold us together.
Regular Pilates exercise over time results in the balancing
of opposing muscle groups which yields a strong, neutral posture
with increased flexibility & stability.
4. Is Pilates exercise beneficial for
people with back issues?
Yes, after receiving an okay from your Physician, Pilates can
be an excellent form of rehabilitation after experiencing back
pain. The Pilates method of exercise teaches the client to isolate
the prime stabilizers of the body and to recruit them when necessary
as well as proper postural alignment. Overtime strength is built
and confidence regained in ones movement. Pilates exercises
focus on the whole body not just the injured area. Pilates exercise
re-educates the way we move and creates optimal muscle firing
patterns, reducing the potential for re-injury.
5. What are the benefits to practicing
Pilates exercises?
 
 
STOTT PILATES® photography
© Merrithew Corporation |
Core Strength & Stability |
| Injury Prevention |
| Relief from stress & back pain |
| Relief from stress incontinence - Pilates exercises address
the base of one's core - the pelvic floor |
| Longer, leaner muscles - a natural way to tone & slim
the body |
| Improved Posture by balancing opposing muscle groups |
| Improved Balance & Coordination |
| Increased Flexibility |
| Gentle on the joints |
| Improved state of mind & body by reducing stress |
| Improved Digestion |
| Immune system booster |
| Enhanced Athletic performance |
| Heightened mind-body awareness |
| Increased self-confidence |
| Increased Vitality & Strength |
6. Is Pilates exercise a cardio workout?
Pilates exercise can be a cardio workout at an advanced level
but in general it is not. For a complete workout, Pilates should
be combined with your favorite cardio workout such as swimming,
running, hiking, or biking. CoreFocused, LLC
does offer Pilates jump board workouts as well as Spinning for
a cardio component to your session.
7. Is Pilates exercise only practiced
by women?
No, Pilates exercise is practiced by men & women. Pilates
exercises were created by Joseph Pilates who taught his method
not only to New York City Ballet Dancers but to Boxers/Prize
Fighters and business men. Pilates exercise is a favorite for
Professional athletes who want to enhance their skills and lengthen
their athletic careers. Kobe Bryant includes Pilates exercise
in his conditioning program to name just one. Pilates exercise
is for almost everyone, young & old, man or woman. It is
very adaptable especially with the use of the Pilates Studio
apparatus.
STOTT
PILATES® content © Merrithew Corporation, used with
permission
8. What is SPINNING®?
SPINNING is an indoor cycling program that includes many advanced
athletic training methods, including heart rate training and
the mental aspects of exercise. SPINNING is a journey to health
& fitness. You do not need to be a seasoned athlete to enjoy
it. All that is required is focus & determination.
Johnny G. (Goldberg) created the SPINNING program in 1987
in California. He is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa
- hence his South African English Accent. Johnny G's fitness
journey started as a swimmer turned body builder, turned triathlete,
turned ultra-distance cyclist as well as a martial artist. In
1986 he was training for RAAM, Race Across America, an endurance
cycling race where riders average close to 300 miles/day. His
wife, Jodi, needed Johnny's help through a difficult pregnancy.
In order to continue his training, Johnny G hand built a stationary
bike that had the same feel as his road bike. After training
himself and a group of friends on his special bikes in his garage,
he decided to create a fun music & instructor inspiring
cycling program for people of all fitness levels. Johnny G.
created his own company, Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. At a Fitness
trade show in 1995, Johnny G rode his stationary bike all 4
days of the conference to amazed crowds. Interest in his SPINNING
program took off and the rest is history. More than 200,000
people in 60 countries ride their way to mind/body health everyday.
9. What is AIS?
AIS stands for Active Isolated Stretching. AIS is a maximum
2 second stretching method that has profound results. Aaron
Mattes created Active Isolated Stretching 35 years ago and continues
to refine it. Aaron Mattes is an advisor/consultant to Olympic
athletes, sports teams, and college and professional athletes.
He received his Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise
Science from the University of Illinois. AIS like Pilates involves
very specifically identifying & isolating muscles. Active
Isolated stretching can be performed with the assistance of
an 8' rope or strap and or an AIS therapist. Muscles are isolated
in a relaxed state and then incrementally stretched for no more
than two seconds. Complete release of the stretch occurs after
each stretch with no more than 10 repetitions. With each release
after a 2 second stretch, pathways are opened to the muscle
- blood flows in nourishing the muscle while metabolic waste
flows out. Active Isolated Stretching can be performed as a
warm-up or cool-down as well as rehab. AIS facilitates complete
range of motion in a joint which when coupled with a strength
component equals efficiency & power in one's movements.
10. How do I get started?
Call 603-554-7522 or e-mail jody@corefocused.com for an appointment.
STOTT PILATES® ™/®
Trademark or Registered trademark of Merrithew Corporation,
used under license.
|
