What is the Pilates Method of Exercise?

Learn the Basics that Set Pilates Apart from Other Exercise Methods

Pilates op het Reformer-toestel, Pilates privé training

Pilates op het Reformer-toestel

Core Strength
Core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement.
As you develop your core strength you develop stability throughout your entire torso. This is one of the ways Pilates helps people overcome back pain. As the trunk is properly stabilized, pressure on the back is relieved and the body is able to move freely and efficiently.
The 6 Pilates Principles: Centering, Control, Flow, Breath, Precision, and Concentration
These six Pilates principles are essential ingredients in a high-quality Pilates workout.
The Pilates method has always emphasized quality over quantity, and you will find that, unlike many systems of exercise, Pilates exercises do not include a lot of repetitions for each move. Instead, doing each exercise fully, with precision, yields significant results in a shorter time than one would ever imagine.

Pilates is a Unique Method of Exercise
Core strength and torso stability, along with the six Pilates principles, set the Pilates method apart from many other types of exercise. Weight lifting, for example, can put a lot of attention on arm or leg strength without attending much to the fact that those parts are connected to the rest of the body. Even running or swimming can seem like all arms and legs, with either a floppy or overly tense core. Ultimately those who really succeed at their sport learn to use their core muscles, but in Pilates, this integrative approach is learned from the beginning.

Mat Work and Equipment
Pilates exercises are done on either on a mat on the floor, Pilates mat work, or on exercise equipment developed by Joseph Pilates.
The workout equipment that we use in Pilates generally utilizes pulleys and resistance from the participants own body weight on the machine and graduated levels of springs. The reformer is probably the best-known piece of resistance equipment that you will encounter at a Pilates studio.

Why yogis should do Pilates

Can pilates and yoga thrive as independent practices? Yes, of course. Can a yoga practice be improved and enhanced physically through pilates? ABSOLUTELY and vice versa. Rather than upholding separatist tendencies between yoga and pilates, let pilates become your new favorite ally of asanas.

Here are a few of the many reasons yogis should do pilates:

Powerful Core

In pilates, every part of the regimen revolves around the “core”. Joseph Pilates often referred to the core as the “powerhouse,” the abdominals, lower back and pelvic floor musculature, that, when activated, provide a solid base of support for steady movement. Not only does a strong core make for a safer practice, a yogi needs an unwavering foundation to take on the challenges of arm balances, inversions, and backbends.

Lengthening & Strengthening

To activate the muscles needed for yoga, they need to be strengthened, lengthened, and toned throughout your body’s range of motion. The pilates Reformer machine, a piece of equipment built with a carriage platform upon which to lie, sit, or stand on while working spring resistance in varying degrees of tension, is built to induce exactly this type of lean, mean muscle tone in a variety of positions.

Vinyasa on the reformer, anyone? The Reformer Long Stretch Series is just that: A sequence including Long Stretch (plank), Down Stretch (Upward Facing Dog) and Up Stretch (Vinyasa into Downward Dog) and Arabesque (Three Legged Downward Dog). This series is performed with spring resistance to deepen range of motion and accentuate muscle elongation and strength of the arms, legs, back and core. Translate this kind of work onto your yoga mat and notice how much stronger you feel the next time you do Vinyasa.

Long Stretch on Reformer (Plank)

Control

Pilates is often referred to as the “Art of Contrology.” It takes a tremendous amount of integrative body awareness to directly target muscle activation flanked by optimal form and alignment. While many yogis love to let go and flow, having a keen sense of focus and control of movement mechanics provides support for a fluid practice.

Take the move call “the Teaser” in pilates, a show stopper of ultimate control. While the teaser is movement-driven, Boat Pose (Navasana), its yoga counterpart, is often simply held… For a long time. Both require tremendous control over the arms, legs, back and core, so that you don’t turn into a wobbly mess. From movement into stillness, the Teaser is Navasana’s soul sister of motor control, stirring peak pose euphoria. Regularly performing Pilates Teasers will result in an expert Navasana practice, while also supporting other poses that require secure balance and precision, such as Bakasana (Crow pose) or a Headstand.

Pilates Teaser, Navasana, Boat Pose

Pilates-ring

pilates-teaser-with-power-circlePilates Ring or Power Circle:

It improves the connection at the inner thighs, gluteus and abdominal muscles. The “core”, specifically the muscles of the Powerhouse as something that works to lengthen and decompress the spine, then the Power Circle makes perfect sense.