Pilates is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century. Torso exercises that involve strengthening the abdominals and back musculature, called the core of the body, are the focus of seated, lying down and standing Pilates exercises. Similar to yoga, Pilates is a low-impact exercise form that promotes toning, stretching and strengthening. Dozens of different forms of Pilates techniques are taught today, including the more popular and well-known Winsor and Method Pilates.
Forms
Both Method and Winsor Pilates offer exercise patterns, moves and positions that target the core and increase endurance, strength and stamina, and offer instruction in lying down, seated and standing exercises. The focus of each form is to help you find your center or core and control your body through movement and flow between exercise sequences. This takes concentration and attention to body positioning and precision during exercises. Both forms emphasize Pilates breathing techniques, such as inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth in panting-like exhalations.
Method Pilates
Method Pilates is often called Classical Pilates, as it's based on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. This form of exercise incorporates four major levels of techniques: One Dimension Compression, Two Dimensions Contraction, Three Dimensions Connection and Four Dimensions Consciousness. Each of these levels focuses exercise efforts on the core or powerhouse muscles of the torso. You learn how to incorporate your pelvis and pelvic floor muscles into your exercise routine, how to maintain a neutral spine throughout the routine, and stabilization of the scapula or shoulder blades, which enhance positioning during the exercise and overall correct body posture.
Method Pilates Exercises
Exercises in the Method or Classical form of Pilates offer a steady progression from seated or lying down exercises to standing exercises. Alternatively, you may start with standing exercises and gradually move down to floor or mat exercises. Basic Method Pilates exercises such as the One Hundred and the One-Leg and Double-Leg Stretch are common in most Method Pilates classes, and form the foundation for dozens of additional exercises. The Saw, Spine Twists and Lying-down Scissors are traditional Pilates exercises. Other moves, such as the Seal, the Crab and the Boomerang, offer you not only strengthening and stretching benefits, but toning and endurance benefits as well.
Winsor Pilates Exercise
Windsor Pilates was developed by Mari Winsor. Also called Slimming Pilates, this form of Pilates has been practiced since the early 1990s. Winsor Pilates is considered the modern version of Classical Pilates. There are negligible differences between this form and the Method form, except that Winsor Pilates utilizes accessories such as balls, cable machines and special benches. This form of the exercise also frequently uses resistance bands and tubes during workouts to offer faster trimming and toning. Winsor Pilates offers a low-impact and low weight-bearing form of body sculpting, weight loss and abdominal workouts that are easy on the joints.
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