One of the hottest buzzwords in fitness circles for the past few years has been Pilates. Often confused with yoga, Pilates is a form of exercise designed to improve strength, flexibility, endurance and posture - and just about anyone can do it and see the benefits.
During World War I, Joseph Pilates, a German living in England, developed a series of exercises and equipment to help prisoners of war regain strength and mobility. When he emigrated to New York in the 1920s, he discovered those same techniques helped dancers prevent injury and improve strength while maintaining long, even muscle tone. That's when the Pilates method was born.
Pilates is designed to fine-tune the mind-body connection. The practice emphasizes proper correct spinal and pelvic alignment and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement. The idea is that you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space and how to control its movement. The exercises are designed to elongate and strengthen the muscles.
It's different from traditional forms of weight lifting because it provides resistance as the muscle is lengthening, not just as it is shortening. When people are weight lifting, when they return towards gravity, they let the weight drop. But if you return it toward gravity with control, that builds the nice long, lean muscle mass that builds strength and improves bone density.
There are two main types of Pilates: mat and reformer. In mat Pilates, you do the exercises on a mat on the floor, generally using nothing but your own body weight (although occasionally you may use free weights, exercise balls and/or weighted balls.) In reformer Pilates, you use a machine to help create resistance as the muscle is lengthening. Both can be appropriate for beginners.
Why should anyone do Pilates in the first place? There are health and fitness benefits for all, whether they are sedentary, athletes or someone in between. But you won't just see improved performance and a leaner body. There's also an added benefit: Pilates can really help you relax.
Get started by joining a beginner class or taking a private lesson. Being in front of an instructor can help you ensure you're doing the exercise right and getting the most benefit out of it.
Even if you are an athlete or are very fit, a beginners' class will help you learn the exercises without risking injury. Take your time and start slowly at the beginning. As you continue to practice, you will find yourself getting better at the exercises.
Alison Dunn is Editor of Primacy Life, a Canadian-based health, wellness and fitness website. Primacy Life is published weekly and covers important topics affecting Canadians everywhere. Visit Primacy.ca Primacy.ca today.
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