The Power of Pilates
You can help change physical appearance, posture, even attitude with Pilates techniques. In the process these exercise techniques can increase flexibility and muscle strength, without packing on bulk. These techniques use core stabilization and focus on form and function, breathing posture and balance.
People approaching middle age are ideal candidates. Many of theses baby boomers are discovering that too much jogging and weight lifting are taking a toll on joints, and the non-weigtht bearing aspects of Pilates offer a welcome respite. In addition, Pilate's techniques, with 2,000 exercises and maneuvers, can provide an added edge in the fight against the middle-aged bulge.
Some people even use Pilates as their only exercise regime because they can work every body part, including the small muscles of the feet and hands. Joseph Pilates developed his exercise techniques in 1915, integrating gymnastics and Yoga with theories of movement. His idea revolved around creating a program-using movements and specific equipment-that focused on building life-long fitness. Some of the motions for upper and lower extremities are similar to those for traditional physical therapy exercises, such as prone push-ups or single leg lifts.
Many of these exercises are first done standing, and then transferred to floor or mat work. A client also can do the motions in a sitting position on one of the Pilates spine machines. And once clients learn the basics of towel work, they can do these movements anywhere, not just at your clinic. But the most important aspect of Pilates is core stabilization, which provides a foundation of strength, and balance that originates form the pelvic and shoulder girdle regions.
Core stabilization enables patients to learn to contract pelvic girdle muscles (abdominal, hip abductors, gluteals) and make a tight " girdle or wrap" of muscle s to support the spine in neutral. Scapulothoracic muscles are also pulled back and downward to support the upper body in an erect posture. It also keeps the pelvic girdle aligned with the cn3ter of gravity.
Susan Mann, MA,LPT,CSTS,CGFI is the owner of Pilates Center of Naples, Fla. She's a certified Pilates instructor in the West Coast Technique, a certified strength maning specialist and golf fitness instructor.
