Pilates has become a household term. It is used and often overused to describe an exercise method that places a strong emphasis on core activation and postural alignment. These specially designed exercises can be performed either on a mat, on Pilates equipment or with small props.
History
Joseph Pilates grew up in Germany in the early 20th century. He suffered from a number of physical ailments and developed his exercise method to overcome them. Pilates went to England with a traveling circus troupe. World War I began shortly after his arrival, and he was sent to a British internment camp. It was there that he developed a unique physical therapy method by rigging the bed springs of the hospital beds. Joseph Pilates came to the United States in 1926. He opened a studio in New York City that was favored by athletes and dancers.
Considerations
Some of Joseph Pilates' devotees believe his student, Romana Kryzanowska, was asked to continue his work, and that it should never deviate from the original method. Others, including Moira Stott of Stott Pilates and Brent Anderson of Polestar, argue that the technique should be allowed to evolve as long as the exercises stay true to the principles. This dispute resulted in a trademark lawsuit. In 2000, a judge ruled in favor of canceling the Pilates trademark. Evolved programs can now legally use the term "Pilates."
Features
The cancellation of the trademark does not imply that any type of exercise can be called Pilates. Exercises must adhere to the basic Pilates principles, which include breathing, alignment, fluid movement, centering, core activation and concentration. A typical Pilates class begins with basic exercises that teach the correct alignment and breathing patterns while promoting core activation. Most classes begin either in a seated position or lying on the back. Sequences may vary, but modern instructors often alternate between spinal flexion exercises and spinal extension. Although many Pilates exercises focus specifically on the abdominal area, the core muscles must be active during every exercise.
Misconceptions
Although Joseph Pilates was inspired by some yoga exercises, Pilates is not yoga. All Pilates exercises require you to move fluidly from one exercise to the next. Stretches are never held in one position. In fact, if an instructor uses the words "Pilates poses," it's an indication he was never certified in the method.
Benefits
Pilates enhances strength, flexibility, postural alignment and balance. The fluidity of the movements improve what is known as "functional flexibility," which implies flexibility in motion. This is the type of flexibility you would use to pick something up and put it on a shelf, play a game of golf or tennis, or any other type of activity requiring motion in different planes of movement.
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