Pilates- The Unique Fitness System

Joseph Pilates the innovator of Pilates and called his techique "Contrology" is a complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. It develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.

Even today, with some changes to the original method, these basic principles incorporated in the PILATES based methods still prove true. Joseph Pilates developed these movements based on his experiences with yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts, and other fitness techniques. Joseph Pilates developed a unique fitness system combining aspects of martial arts, gymnastics, yoga and ancient Greek training techniques, focusing on the coordination of the body, mind and spirit.

Joseph Pilates wanted to promote an exercising method that people could do on their own once they received formal training from an expert Pilates trainer. This gave them the much-needed freedom to follow an exercise routine that could be done anywhere anytime.Joseph Pilates died at the age of 87 as a result of fire in his studio. Joseph Pilates, working on his own body,discovered that by hollowing the navel back to the spine, he was supporting his back. Indeed, medical research seventy years later has come to the same conclusion. Joseph Pilates originally made all the equipment utilizing springs for resistance. Current spring-based PILATES EQUIPMENT provides gradual resistance as your muscles contract, which ensures the muscles are being worked properly.

Exercise is also said to prevent varicose veins, hemorrhoids and low back pain not to mention boosting self esteem. The guidelines stated by the American Council on Exercise are not as hard-and-fast as they used to be. Research suggests that no new exercise routine should be started during your first trimester. Exercises that both yoga and Pilates share reveal differences and similarities between the two.

Exercises can be performed on a mat or specialized equipment. Exercises emphasize precise alignment and efficient sequencing of movement. The class flows from one exercise to the next leaving your body feeling strong, centered and balanced.

Contrology exercises drive the pure fresh blood to every muscle fibre of our bodies, particularly to the very important capillaries which ordinarily are rarely ever fully stimulated once we have reached adulthood. Through True Pilates you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then, through proper repetition of its exercises, you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your mental and subconscious activities.

Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Learning to breathe properly can reduce stress. Proper attention to nutrition and cardiovascular activity will be necessary. As you become more advanced in the Pilates repertoire, the work gets more challenging and you'll burn more calories.