What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of physical fitness exercise program developed by Joseph Pilates in 1920's in Germany. Joseph called this method as 'contrology', as he thought that it uses mind to control body muscles.
Basic theme of Pilates program is the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility and body awareness to improve posture and balance. Originally, Pilates was used for rehabilitation program for soldiers of war and dancers to strengthen the body. Later, it was found to be useful for improving fitness of almost all kinds of people.
Main foundation of Pilates is toning and building of core muscles and trunk, which is main supporter of body frame. Most adventitious fact about Pilates is that it works considerably for broad range of people like beginners, athletes, dancer, post-pregnancy, senior citizens, and people at various stages of rehabilitation.
Uniqueness of Pilates due to core strength, trunk and joint stability, and six principles makes it most popular exercise system in the modern world.
Six principles of Pilates
Success of Pilates system is due to following six principles.
Pilates exercises are performed with concentration, focusing your attention on what you are doing.
Every movement performed in Pilates is under control of your mind.
All Pilates exercises begin from 'body center or powerhouse' and spread out to periphery such as movement starts from abdomen, upper and lower back, buttocks, hips and inner thigh and then spread to limbs.
- Flow of movements
Pilates exercises demand flow of movements with the help of suitable transitions.
Pilates exercises center on correct movements only rather than repeating of movements.
Pilates breathing is named as posterior lateral breathing because person is trained to
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