What is Pilates?
This is the first, true beginning of my blog. Many of you reading this will have already been on lots of sites that give you information on what Pilates is. And below you’ll read another version. But before you read this version of Pilates, dotted with quotes from Joseph Pilates’ book, Return to Life through Contrology, I want to share with you my personal version of what Pilates is and include how I came into it.
When I began the practice of Pilates I was already 42 years old. I came to it by default. What I mean is that I was faced with the prospect of not having a career/passion in my life once my last child left the nest to enter full day school.
My sister Nancy Etnier had started a Pilates studio in Portland, Maine (where I too had been living) and asked me to come in for a session. Nancy was a dancer so Pilates came fairly easy for her — it’s familiar to dancers. She understood the tools of the movement trade. Not me. Not at all. I was shy about movement. I went in, took a lesson with her – couldn’t do a damn thing. Not one thing. I had zero flexibility, zero strength and zero confidence. I can’t explain why, given my ineptitude in the work, but I fell automatically in love with this strange thing I was doing with my body. It made me feel better. A simple word that holds a big bang: Better.
Who doesn’t want to feel better?
I was hooked. And so began my training 11 years ago with Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates protegé, at the Pilates Studio, in New York, where I learned the Classical Pilates Method.
Here’s what Pilates has done and continues to do for me and here’s what it will do for YOU.
Joseph Pilates created his “method” or methodology of exercise, not as a fitness regimen but, as a way of life. His method, called Contrology (the art of control), was developed as a way of helping all people stay young and healthy. His motto, “a flexible spine at 60 is a young spine and an inflexible spine at 30 is an old spine,” shows that there are no age barriers to who can perform his work.
Health, vigor and youth are attained and maintained through dynamically and intentionally ordered exercises integrating the whole musculature of the body with the intention of initiating the movements from the center (deep abdominal muscles). The body is simultaneously stretched and strengthened, developing a harmonious whole. This intentional order allows for exertion, relaxation, flexibility and endurance.
In the art and science of Pilates breath is stressed. As Joe said: “Above all else, learn how to breathe correctly”! Through breath and movement the blood is nourished with a constant flow of fresh oxygen. You then feel refreshed and positive.
Those with injuries learn to balance the body. injuries often occur when the body compensates for developmental imbalances or trauma. Pilates will correct imbalances, bringing back proper alignment to the body.
The list below is exactly how my body reacted to the work of Pilates. It will happen to yours too:
Improved Posture
Strengthened and toned muscles without adding bulk
Increased flexibility and muscle control
Improved alignment, coordination and balance
Increased lung capacity
Uniformly developed muscles
Improved range of motion
Improved body awareness
A more balanced body preventing muscle and soft tissue injury
Can you ask for more?
