Fitness-Pilates

After immigrating to the U.S. in 1926, Joseph set up his first Pilates studio in New York City. At first his new fitness regime was the secret of dancers and performers, but by the late 1920's it had gained in popularity with people from all walks of life. Pilates has become invaluable for creating the "Hollywood body", as well as for professional sports training and physical rehabilitation.

Pilates is practiced either on a mat or on a Pilates apparatus-a unique wooden structure with springs, straps, and pulleys. This apparatus challenges and supports the body as it progresses through sequences of movements. What makes Pilates unique is its use of both concentric (shortened) contractions and eccentric (lengthened) contractions. Using both contractions through a full range of motion provides a complete balance of development.

Pilates strengthens not only the superficial "visible" muscles but also the deeper internal muscles. The strengthening of our deeper internal muscles is extremely important because they are the foundation of the muscular structure that supports and strengthens our skeletal frame. Because they are attached to the bone, these deep muscles are also responsible for bone density. Exercising these deep muscles stimulates the production of osteoblast cells that build strong bones. Combining Pilates exercise with optimal nutrition can protect the body from the risk of osteoporosis.

Creating a fit body can only be achieved by consistent focus and effort. It's said that with ten sessions of Pilates you will feel a difference, after twenty sessions you will see a difference and after thirty sessions you will have a new body. This may be possible only if you have all the Pilates principals at work throughout each movement. As Joseph said, "It is the mind itself that builds the body."

There are several key principals to achieve success with Pilates work, whether practiced on the mat or equipment.

Breath- The importance of correct breathing cannot be over-emphasized. It is the key coordinator for both muscular and mental perfection. The greatest benefits with Pilates exercise are obtained with proper oxygenation through deep inhalation and complete exhalation.

Center- Working from the center of your being both mentally and physically creates power. Joseph appropriately named this center which includes the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks the "Powerhouse." In the Pilates world we use the word "scoop" to refer to a method of abdominal engagement involving a contraction of the core muscles. When the muscles of the pelvic floor are activated inward and upward while controlling the ribcage by funneling in the ribs, a "scoop" is formed.

Concentration and Precision- By focusing on the task that your body is performing at every moment and by feeling every detail, you will create perfect body alignment. When your mind and body work together, you achieve an ideal program.

Control and Fluidity- Keep your movements fluid and smooth and allow your body to become a movement of art. Joseph first called Pilates work "Contrology" because of the conscious effort of guiding ourselves through the exercises with control and fluidity.

Applying these Pilates principals to your everyday activities and adopting healthy eating habits will enable you to transform your body and to center your mind. The goal of exercising is to have a balanced and healthy body. As Joseph said, "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness." Happiness is what we ultimately live for. It is an internal process that allows us to see and feel the joy of the external world. Breath and movement improve our circulation and reduce stress. Endurance and flexibility give us the ability to perform activities effortlessly. For more than eighty years, Pilates has proven to provide all of this and more.

The Hippocrates Wellness has offered Pilates instruction for many years and finds it to be exceptionally helpful in creating and molding an agile, flexible and strong body. Combining Pilates with living foods and some form of cardio-vascular exercise is a perfect recipe for internal and external body awareness and well being.

Heli Del Santo is a Certified Pilates instructor and teaches privately in her studio in Palm Beach, Florida.

Vol 25 Issue 2 Page 34