Pilates - Why So Popular?
by Michael Russell
Pilates. Looks almost like Pirates,
but sounds more like string cheese.
Actually the pronunciation of Pilates
is puh-lah-teez. So what is it? A
weird kind of coffee drink like a
latte? Something with pulleys? An
odd way to say please?
To explain what a Pilates is you
have to go all the way back to a gentleman
by the name of Joseph Pilates. This
poor guy was your typical 98 pound
weakling and sickly to boot. He had
no energy, no strength and quite honestly
was in terrible health. Finally he
decided to do something about his
terrible condition. To do this he
developed a health system. He may
have been sick but obviously not dumb.
This system consisted of yoga, Zen
philosophy, and a number of exercises
taken from ancient Romans and Greeks.
During the second world war Pilates
was held in a German prison camp.
While he was there he introduced these
exercises to other prisoners at the
camp. They helped the prisoners maintain
their strength and fight off illness.
While he was doing this he also developed
other techniques for working out on
the floor or a mat. He started developing
equipment as well that he made out
of bed springs and other materials.
This equipment was perfect for creating
resistance which aided in strengthening
the muscles. What he developed in
this prison camp and what he taught
the other prisoners is what was the
start of the current Pilates movement.
The modern version is a series of
exercises made for the purpose of
improving flexibility and strength
through a series of stretching and
balancing movements.
The group of people who are most
attracted to this system are dancers,
especially ballerinas. It should be
fairly obvious as to why, since dancing
requires a lot of strength and agility
and a great deal of flexibility. The
regimen is also said to aid in preventing
injury which dancers are very prone
to. Pilates is said to strengthen
the body from the inside out and in
addition, the effect this system has
on the mind is supposed to be very
beneficial as it helps to relieve
stress and anxiety.
Chiropractors highly recommend Pilates
for the strengthening of the back
and spine. They say after a sufficient
amount of time using this system a
person can expect increased mobility
in the joints, a flatter stomach,
thinner waist and thighs, and improved
circulation.
Pilates is a low impact routine,
meaning it does not cause a lot of
stress on the body since there is
very little bouncing as with other
forms of exercise. This makes it very
attractive to people rehabilitating
from an injury who need physical therapy.
It is also good for elderly and overweight
people as it increases circulation
and reduces weight gradually. For
those with arthritis this is also
a good routine as it helps ease stiffness
in the muscles. It is also said to
get women back into shape who have
just had a baby.
For all of the above reasons Pilates
is one of the most popular workouts
in the world today.
About the Author
Michael Russell Your Independent guide
to Pilates
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