About Pilates method
Pilates, or The Pilates Method, is an exercise system that improves the function of muscle control, the flexibility of the body, bodily strength, and breathing. Pilates exercise is focused on strengthening the muscles of the whole body, particularly the deep muscles of the belly, the muscles of the back, and the muscles of the pelvic bottom. Due to the method’s emphasis on firming the deep belly muscles to better support the spine, strain on the spine is reduced. All movement emanates from the stable center, the so-called Powerhouse, to all the peripheral parts of the body.
This exercise approach is exceptionally effective, but demanding on details and depth of movement awareness. The body gradually becomes firmer and gains a new stability, the back straightens, and the new way of breathing assures a greater supply of oxygen in the lungs. The exercises activate deep belly muscles, which otherwise cannot be exercised through ordinary techniques, to build a firm, flat belly. The distribution of subcutaneous body fat changes, and excessive body weight declines. The change is apparent at first sight from the carriage of the body, the gait, and the aesthetics of movement.
Emphasis is placed on the gradual development of one’s awareness of body movement. Characteristic of the method is the precise execution of the individual movements in each exercise, as even slight movements can often have markedly beneficial effects. A closer acquaintance with the method reveals that this system is so effective precisely because of the concentration exerted upon each movement.
Pilates is a universal exercise method, appropriate for the general public as well as athletes and dancers. Exercise on the floor (on a mat), referred to as Matwork, does not place undue demands on age, training, space, or equipment. By employing various levels of intensity, Pilates can be applied on beginners as well as very proficient individuals.
As is evident from its name, Matwork is done in low positions on a mat, lying on the back, the stomach, on the sides, and kneeling. The exercises are done in whole combinations, with the place in the sequence and the number of repetitions of each exercise precisely determined. The purpose of a given combination is always the strengthening or the stretching of a concrete muscle group. Individual exercises have a strengthening phase as well as a stretching phase, in consideration of the desirability and effectiveness of strengthening or stretching of particular muscles or muscle groups. It all depends foremost on the physical condition of the person exercising, on the state of their muscular corset.
The Pilates Method quickly and effectively renews muscle strength and mobility after fractures and muscle injuries. Abroad, the Pilates method is being used profusely in rehabilitation centers. In the Czech Republic, the method is currently enjoying a tumultuous boom. Unfortunately, the commercial side of exercise is often preferred, while the individual approach is suppressed, and we are beset by the endeavors of various gym centers to include Pilates in their offering, without a deeper understanding of the issues. However, these are “growing pains” that have accompanied every newly applied exercise method in the past.
Keep in mind that the Pilates method involves more than just the time you spend exercising. Pilates is exercise with a holistic (complete) approach not only to the body, but also to the human being as a whole. In this it is close to Eastern teachings. You are learning to control your body, use it correctly and effectively, gain mastery over it. You are learning not to burden your body unnecessarily and inappropriately. All of this leads you to a responsible approach toward handling your body and finally your being as a whole.