Pilates was invented more than 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates and was first called, "The Art of Contrology." This name is still appropriate because Pilates movements use the power of your mind to control the movement of your body. Today, Pilates is recommended by many health professionals as an ideal way to increase muscle strength and prevent pain or injury.
Mind-body connection
Visualization is one of the core elements of Pilates, thus creating a mind-body connection. In order to perform some of the more difficult positions, you must create a mental picture of how that position will look and move your body simultaneously. Experts at Balanced Body Pilates state that Pilates emphasizes proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment and complete concentration on smooth and fluid movements so that you can become completely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space and how to control movements.
Build strength
Conventional exercise techniques often train muscles in isolation using heavy weights to build visible muscle, however, this may not be the look you want. One of the lures of Pilates exercise is that you can build strength without building a muscular looking physique. The movements of Pilates mimic those movements that you would make in your daily life by using more than one muscle group. Since muscles groups do not operate alone, this makes Pilates a functional exercise. Pilates emphasizes smooth and fluid movements that require you to use your body as your main source of resistance, therefore increasing your muscular strength.
Strong core muscles
Your core muscles are your deepest abdominal muscles and those muscles that are closest to your spine: the lower back, hips and pelvis. Pilates movements call on the strength of your core--known as "The Powerhouse"--for balance and stability, and strong core muscles help keep your waist slim and your abs toned. Additionally, strong core muscles created by Pilates help you with other daily activities such as climbing stairs or bending down to pick up your children. A strong core is necessary for proper posture and the prevention of lower back tension and pain.
Range of motion
Pilates teaches you to move with grace and ease and helps you avoid movement that is sudden or jerky. The fluidity of your movements enhances your range of motion, which is necessary to prevent pain and avoid injuries. According to Everett Aaberg, personal trainer and author of "Muscle Mechanics", the range of motion of one joint is often dependent on prior or synergistic movement of another joint. Applying Aaberg's research to Pilates exercises means that prior positioning, force alignment, spinal stabilization and proper rhythm must all be in sync to achieve your desired full range of motion.
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