ANATOMY OF PILATES
The Pilates Institute teaches, in depth, Anatomy and Physiology, coaching and educating their Pilates students which muscles are prime movers, stabilisers and which are strengthened in each exercise and which particular Pilates moves benefits the client and why, enabling the instructor to tailor make a session to their clients to ensure everyone benefits. You should not be forced to work beyond your bodies capabilities in a Pilates class, they are often calming but energising classes, ensuring you work safely and correctly.
All moves are modified for the beginner, and will be progressed as your flexibility improves during the weeks.
The majority of moves concentrate on engaging the "core" , Joseph Pilates named it the "powerhouse".
The T.A. (transversus abdominus) is a band of abdominal muscle, the deepest powerhouse muscle and covers the abdomen wrapping around you like a corset. This muscle is activated during each exercise to ensure that you are not only going to improve your TA strength, but improve your posture and protect your lower back. The T.A. works most effectively by contracting it only slightly, no pain and no stress. No pain means plenty of gain!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pilates?
Pilates is a mind-body exercise system developed by the late Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1880-1967).
When Joseph Pilates emigrated to New York, the professional dance community there quickly discovered that his method could help prevent injury and improve strength while maintaining even muscle tone. Its safe and effective, a flowing movement, not static. Most Mat exercises are on the Mat, on your back, side and prone (your front). Repetitions are few on each move so as to be precise and the aim being quality, not quantity.
What can pilates do for my body?
Pilates can help you develop strength, flexibility, endurance and improves posture. It doesn't stress the joints or build bulk.
It's an excellent method to complement cardiovascular exercise, and will help to improve your performance in other forms of sport or exercise.
Can pilates help me lose weight?
Weight loss occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the amount burned. Muscle tissue is partly responsible for the number of calories the body burns at rest: this is called the basal metabolic rate. Pilates does help to build and tone muscle mass, and as muscle mass increases, metabolic rate increases so weight loss can be achieved. An ideal exercise regime is a balance between cardiovascular work, strength and flexibility .
Why do athletes and dancers do pilates?
Despite it's slow, careful movements, and its reputation for being "gentle" Pilates is not for sissies! It improves stamina, balance, coordination and relieves stress.
It emphasises client education, so that you learn that you have control over your body and how it behaves. You may not feel pain or muscle strain during class, but will know you are working.
When done correctly, results are fast and noticeable.
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