In a time of Pilates in
abundance studios, teachers, and a variety of clients it has definitely taken on
many roles and there is a much broader array of exercises (classic, modified,
and non-traditional Pilates) movements being implemented in one’s sessions
today. Positive outcomes have reached any where from freeing one from aching low
back, neck, shoulders, hips; getting that toned, slimmed physique; improved
posture, de-stressed, enhanced confidence, self-esteem, balance. The list can
go on and on.
On another note, Pilates in
abundance of taking many roles has many times lost the primary
principles (Breath, Flow, Centering, Control, Flow, Precision) and
unfortunately have times resulted in just the reverse of the positive outcomes
above, including worsened posture and sometimes even injury. As a Pilates
Teacher and Studio Owner of almost 10 years, I have seen this unfortunate
situation with new clients walking through my door many times that have had
prior Pilates sessions. Many times this is a result of primary Pilates
principles were not implemented or practiced or even introduced at the
get go of one’s Pilates trainings and work-outs. Instead the clients where
initially pleased by getting a kick-butt work-out that
resulted in working the same over used muscle groups (low back, quadriceps, hip
flexors, rectus abdominals, and upper trapezius muscles).
Don’t get me wrong,
Pilates IS a kick-butt work-out but when done following primary
principles of Pilates (mentioned above) you are initiating with the strength and
endurance (or building strength/endurance) with a whole different set of muscles
primarily called postural muscles or Pilates “Core” (respiratory,
transverse abdominal, pelvic floor, multifidi) as well as strengthening the many
times underused extensor and balance muscles such as: hamstrings,
gluteus, adductors, low & mid trapezius, serratus. With the strength and
endurance of these new found muscles you now have the posture, flexibility,
range of motion, to support you through your Pilates exercises and daily living
activities. This results in actually working more muscles at the same
time getting you a FULL Body work-out versus just working out the
same old tired muscles (low back, quadriceps, hip flexors, rectus abdominals,
and upper trapezius muscles) that it eventually will lead to worsened posture
and possibly even injury of over use.
So next time your are in
your Pilates class, take inventory, are you …..
1. Breathing? And then if
you are, is your breathe efficient creating the flow of your movement
2. What muscles are you
really using to get your Posture in position and in motion? Are they your same
old big muscle groups are do you have the intricate Pilates core/postural
muscles invited to the party too?
3. Where are your movements
initiating from? Are your Pilates “core” muscles even “turned on”
contracted?
4. Are your movements
flowing, “look” (not feel) like they are being performed easily or are you
pushing, shoving, punching, gritting teeth and holding your breathe?
5. Are you being patient
with yourself to learn new tricks rather then using your same old
habits?
For more information,
questions, comments respond to the comment section below. We would love to hear
back from you.
