Introduction to Pilates
Pilates is a set of flowing exercise that helps in strengthening muscles, especially of abdomen, buttocks, hips and back. It helps in their control and co-ordination. This was designed by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany by 1880. The method was based on contrology, a total coordination of mind, body and spirit. Contrology will help to get a control of your body and regular practice will progressively give a natural rhythm and hold on subconscious activities. According to Mr. Joseph Pilates, pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work. He also quoted that with complete coordination of mind, body and soul, a person can remain well disciplined and avtive throughout his life time. Personal problems and issues can be met calmly and clearly by practicing this exercise. Acquiring mental stability and calmness, enjoyment of physical fitness and spiritual peace are regarded as priceless.
Rather than building muscle mass, pilates exercise can help to acquire body strength and flexibility, emphasizing on increase of body length and spine alignment. Because it strengthen abdominal and spinal muscles, pilates is considered not only important in the field of fitness, but in rehabilitation also. It can help in progression of individuals by movements that represent daily activities and to alleviate back pain which is a major problem to different class of people. Due to its effectiveness, pilates exercise has been developed as a trend now a days.
Pilates exercise does not include any equipment seen in gymnasium or physical training centers. Typical and fanciful apparatus specially designed by Mr. Joe Pilates is used to perform pilates exercises. Some are Universal Reformer, Trapeze Table, Magic Circle, Wunda Chair etc.
Basics of Pilates
Principles of Pilates exercise have a strong theoretical and philosophical background. It has been approved that an effective physical activity is based on philosophical thinking along with theoretical back up. It is not just a collection of exercises, but developed by years of refinement and observation. It shows a diversity of exercises with inherent ruling principles and theories. The six principles underlying pilates exercise are: concentration, control, centering, flowing movement, precision and breathing.
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