Why Practice Pilates?

By Laurie Hyland Robertson, MS, C-IAYT

Whole Yoga & Pilates

. https://www.wholeyoga.net/

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Why Practice Pilates?

Like a physical yoga practice, pilates (“pill-ah-teez”) links breathing with movement and strengthens the body's core the large group of muscles that includes the abdominals, back, shoulders, and hips. Pilates emphasizes these spine-supporting muscles, helping to promote proper alignment and good posture without adding bulk. The exercises' precision brings poise and lightness to the body; one “perfect” movement during your pilates workout is better than 20 sloppy ones.

Pilates can be challenging, but mindful beginners usually do just fine. Pay attention to what your body is capable of, and don't hesitate to take modifications the instructor offers to make the work a bit easier at first. With regular practice, the exercises flow together and improve endurance while continuing to build on the strength gains that begin right away. Many long-term pilates practitioners experience decreased back pain and find that their movements in other exercise and sports, as well as in everyday life, are easier and more fluid.

If you already practice yoga, you'll likely find the pilates emphasis on moving from a stable center helpful in standing postures (and elsewhere in your asana and pranayama work); think of the strong yet fluid center pilates cultivates as a support base for the bandhas' energetic locks to function optimally.

First developed by Joseph Pilates largely to aid in rehabilitation for soldiers during World War I, this simple but elegant system is known for producing long, lean muscles. Pilates was originally performed with the assistance of large equipment, but over time the exercises have been adapted to provide similar benefits using the body's own resistance, and sometimes small props (balls, light weights, stretch bands, etc.). In a group mat class you might encounter exercises like “upper-ab curls” (a low, controlled version of a crunch), specific types of planks (the “up” portion of a pushup), and breathwork, all with particular emphasis on stability and proper muscular engagement.

Yes, it's core work that can sometimes be intense, but pilates is not all about the abs. The coveted six-pack can actually represent an injurious scenario if attention has not been paid to proper movement patterns along the way. Sorry to say, but sometimes well-defined “washboard abs” indicate an imbalance elsewhere in the body; that student may be setting themselves up for more pain later.

The takeaway practice with a teacher who can help you balance the progressive strength and flexibility requirements of your workout, and don't hesitate to ask questions or set up one-on-one instruction if you're feeling strain.