What is Pilates?

Pilates: The Art to Control My Body

Pilates (or the Art of Contrology as it was initially called) made its first appearance in the midst of the 20th century as a method of recuperation and recovery of injured athletes. The combination of physical strengthening and spiritual practice made the method spread very quickly. Today, it is one of the most popular and widespread methods of gymnastics, mainly because it has immediate results. Joseph Pilates’ goal was 30 sessions for a new body. “In 10 sessions”, he used to say, “You will feel the difference. In 20, others will notice it too, and after thirty, you will have a brand new body”.

But, how can we be talking about a brand new body in only 30 sessions? This is a valid question. The answer lies in the right posture, the support of the spine, the strengthening and elongation of the muscles. The key to transformation lies there.

The body finds its support center, it elongates, it slims down, it strengthens, and it “becomes taller”. According to Joseph Pilates “we are as young as our spine is”, if we control our center (meaning back, abdominals, back muscles) we can control everything in our life. This is the basis for the right function and health of the organism and, in the current world, this is the objective for millions of people who have been trapped in an unhealthy lifestyle which involves sitting in front of a computer screen for hours.

Pilates believed that in order to become happy we have to get control of our body. This is the reason he named his method Contrology, with a vision of integrating this way of practice into our everyday lives and with the goal of attaining physical, spiritual and mental balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilates method and who is it suitable for ?

Pilates is a well-rounded work-out system, a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises, which consists of matwork as well as exercise with instruments (such as balls, rubbers and others) and is suitable for everyone, men and women of every age. All exercises can be adjusted to the body type, the needs, and the particularities of each person individually, and this is what makes this method unique. Pilates is based on six main principles: breathing, concentration, control, precision, center, flow.

Breathing is the first and last physical function of a human being. The benefits of good breathing are multiple: inhaling and exhaling in a complete way, we oxygenate our body through our blood, while harmful toxins are being removed. The abdominal massage, which is carried out by the ascending and descending of the diaphragm enables the organs to function in a more complete way and strengthens the muscles of the area (abdominal muscles).

This type of deep breathing has a relaxing function, so that we can work our body with greater peace as well as with more energy. Concentration is the basic element for the unification of body and mind. Through such constant concentration, we gain control of our body so that we can direct our every move with utmost precision, avoiding “mechanical movements”.

All our motions spring from the center of our trunk (abdominal and back). By creating a stronger center we move our body with more ease and less energy cost. In Pilates, there are no static individual moves because our body doesn’t naturally work like this. Dynamic energy replaces fast and sudden movement of other techniques and more emphasis is given in harmonious continuous movement (flow) and not in speed.

Pilates is a holistic work out method, during which all muscles are being used from the tip of the fingers to the toes. It is applicable to everyone since it has various levels of difficulty and approaches every single one of us, according to the abilities, difficulties and health problems we may have.

Therefore, this method is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical condition, pregnant women, people with musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems, as well as dancers and athletes.

In what way does Pilates improve my health?

Pilates strengthens all the muscles that support the spine, not only the large muscle groups, but also the deeper muscle layers. This allows for the better function of the organism as a whole. The circulatory system works properly, while through lateral breathing all the tissues and organs of the body are better oxygenated. Additionally, the functioning of the nervous system is improved, since through the lengthening of the spine the intervertebral spaces through which the nerves exit are being opened.

 

I have health problems. Can I still work out?

Pilates is recommended by many physicians for musculoskeletal disorders, recovery after surgery (e.g. mastectomy), for problems of neurological nature and many other conditions. Consult your doctor and give your body a chance to meet the wholesome benefits of the method.

 

Can I do Pilates while I am pregnant?

Yes, because Pilates particularly works the muscles of the perineal area and this, among other things, helps the easier delivery of the newborn during labor. Apart from that, the strong muscle tone generated in the pelvic area helps the body to recover faster after the labor.

Pilates is the ideal ally for the women who suffer from back pains during pregnancy. It creates a firm center, by strengthening the muscles along the spine and it helps the body become supported in a better way, thus offering a sense of strength and wellness.

All the above are valid provided that the pregnancy is not considered to be at risk and there is a doctor’s consent.

 

Is Pilates suitable for seniors?

Yes, because it can be adapted to people of each body type and age.

As time goes by, the human body can acquire a number of physical symptoms, like osteoporosis, lack of flexibility, rheumatism etc. Through specified Pilates exercises the body becomes stronger, more functional and gains a feeling of wellbeing and confidence.

Pilates: The Art to Control My Body

Pilates (or the Art of Contrology as it was initially called) made its first appearance in the midst of the 20th century as a method of recuperation and recovery of injured athletes. The combination of physical strengthening and spiritual practice made the method spread very quickly. Today, it is one of the most popular and widespread methods of gymnastics, mainly because it has immediate results. Joseph Pilates’ goal was 30 sessions for a new body. “In 10 sessions”, he used to say, “You will feel the difference. In 20, others will notice it too, and after thirty, you will have a brand new body”.

But, how can we be talking about a brand new body in only 30 sessions? This is a valid question. The answer lies in the right posture, the support of the spine, the strengthening and elongation of the muscles. The key to transformation lies there.

The body finds its support center, it elongates, it slims down, it strengthens, and it “becomes taller”. According to Joseph Pilates “we are as young as our spine is”, if we control our center (meaning back, abdominals, back muscles) we can control everything in our life. This is the basis for the right function and health of the organism and, in the current world, this is the objective for millions of people who have been trapped in an unhealthy lifestyle which involves sitting in front of a computer screen for hours.

Pilates believed that in order to become happy we have to get control of our body. This is the reason he named his method Contrology, with a vision of integrating this way of practice into our everyday lives and with the goal of attaining physical, spiritual and mental balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilates method and who is it suitable for ?

Pilates is a well-rounded work-out system, a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises, which consists of matwork as well as exercise with instruments (such as balls, rubbers and others) and is suitable for everyone, men and women of every age. All exercises can be adjusted to the body type, the needs, and the particularities of each person individually, and this is what makes this method unique. Pilates is based on six main principles: breathing, concentration, control, precision, center, flow.

Breathing is the first and last physical function of a human being. The benefits of good breathing are multiple: inhaling and exhaling in a complete way, we oxygenate our body through our blood, while harmful toxins are being removed. The abdominal massage, which is carried out by the ascending and descending of the diaphragm enables the organs to function in a more complete way and strengthens the muscles of the area (abdominal muscles).

This type of deep breathing has a relaxing function, so that we can work our body with greater peace as well as with more energy. Concentration is the basic element for the unification of body and mind. Through such constant concentration, we gain control of our body so that we can direct our every move with utmost precision, avoiding “mechanical movements”.

All our motions spring from the center of our trunk (abdominal and back). By creating a stronger center we move our body with more ease and less energy cost. In Pilates, there are no static individual moves because our body doesn’t naturally work like this. Dynamic energy replaces fast and sudden movement of other techniques and more emphasis is given in harmonious continuous movement (flow) and not in speed.

Pilates is a holistic work out method, during which all muscles are being used from the tip of the fingers to the toes. It is applicable to everyone since it has various levels of difficulty and approaches every single one of us, according to the abilities, difficulties and health problems we may have.

Therefore, this method is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical condition, pregnant women, people with musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems, as well as dancers and athletes.

In what way does Pilates improve my health?

Pilates strengthens all the muscles that support the spine, not only the large muscle groups, but also the deeper muscle layers. This allows for the better function of the organism as a whole. The circulatory system works properly, while through lateral breathing all the tissues and organs of the body are better oxygenated. Additionally, the functioning of the nervous system is improved, since through the lengthening of the spine the intervertebral spaces through which the nerves exit are being opened.

 

I have health problems. Can I still work out?

Pilates is recommended by many physicians for musculoskeletal disorders, recovery after surgery (e.g. mastectomy), for problems of neurological nature and many other conditions. Consult your doctor and give your body a chance to meet the wholesome benefits of the method.

 

Can I do Pilates while I am pregnant?

Yes, because Pilates particularly works the muscles of the perineal area and this, among other things, helps the easier delivery of the newborn during labor. Apart from that, the strong muscle tone generated in the pelvic area helps the body to recover faster after the labor.

Pilates is the ideal ally for the women who suffer from back pains during pregnancy. It creates a firm center, by strengthening the muscles along the spine and it helps the body become supported in a better way, thus offering a sense of strength and wellness.

All the above are valid provided that the pregnancy is not considered to be at risk and there is a doctor’s consent.

 

Is Pilates suitable for seniors?

Yes, because it can be adapted to people of each body type and age.

As time goes by, the human body can acquire a number of physical symptoms, like osteoporosis, lack of flexibility, rheumatism etc. Through specified Pilates exercises the body becomes stronger, more functional and gains a feeling of wellbeing and confidence.