Pilates
Get in shape with the Pilates method
If you’re looking to get into shape, chances are you’ve heard about Pilates which has surged in popularity in recent years. Due to the recent attention that it’s gotten, there’s plenty of mistaken information out there about what Pilates is, what it does and who it’s for.
Many people may be surprised to learn that the Pilates method has been around for eight decades. It was created by Joseph Pilates in Germany based on his study of aerobics and yoga to help rehabilitate veterans from the First World War. He developed precise movements to emphasize control and regain health by strengthening, stretching and stabilizing key muscle groups.
He believed that mental and physical health were essential to each other and wanted to create a means of joining the mind and body using philosophy and exercise. Pilates originally called his method Contrology, later known by the Pilates name. The Pilates method focuses on the following areas: breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision, flowing movements and flexibility.
Pilates Equipment
While the Pilates method originated as a series of 34 exercises that were performed on a padded mat, specialized Pilates equipment was later introduced to take Pilates workouts to the next level. The apparatus that Joseph Pilate designed include:
- The Reformer
- The Cadillac (also known as the trapeze table)
- The Wunda Chair
- The Ladder Barrel
However, those who are just starting out with Pilates exercises can begin by using a padded mat and a Pilates ball.
Part of the reason why it’s suddenly been thrust into the spotlight is because a U.S. federal court ruled that the term Pilates was a generic term that was free for unrestricted commercial use. Suddenly anyone who wanted to cash in on its popularity was able to put the word Pilates on their exercise programs. The Winsor Pilates workout is one example of many of the popular Pilates training classes on the market today.
The good news about all the available products is that there are plenty of specialized training courses available. It’s easy to find focused training you can do in your home by using either a Pilates abs workout or a Pilates ball workout. However, to ensure that you’re actually learning from the authentic Pilates program, you should check to see if they use the methods developed by Joseph Pilates himself.
