Discover What Can Be Achieved Through Pilates

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gill_Owen]Gill Owen
It may seem that Pilates is a relatively new form of exercise, but Mr Joseph Pilates first developed his form of therapy over 80 years ago, by drawing on the different disciplines of Yoga, dance and gymnastics. His aim was to unite the mind and body in a state of well-being and balance.
Joseph Pilates was a truly holistic practitioner who was motivated by his own ill health to develop some 500 movements which are known as Pilates. Although he originally designed the exercises to be performed with the use of apparatus, there is now no need for anything other than a suitable floor mat to get started.
The purpose of Pilates is to gradually and carefully perfect technique and improve core strength through following a series of increasingly difficult exercises. There is no need to have level of fitness or suppleness to begin as a novice would start with simple and gentle movements.
The emphasis on restored balance and posture is fundamental to Pilates, the theory being that we are all forced into unnatural positions and movements throughout life, which lead to poor posture and sometimes pain or discomfort.
Joseph Pilates was one of the first practitioners to recognise the importance of core strength in physical wellbeing. He referred to the core muscles of the torso as the 'powerhouse' of the body, which provides the limbs with the momentum to move freely and effectively.
There are eight underlying principles of Pilates:
1. Relaxation
Achieving this allows use to detach from the events of the day and think exclusively about the movement we are trying to perfect.
2. Concentration
Which enables us to focus on the detail of each exercise, rather than the level of effort involved or how many times we can repeat a movement.
3. Alignment
It is vital each part of the body is in the correct state throughout each exercise. This encourages us to retrieve the natural posture we were born with.
4. Breathing
There is a tendency for us to hold our breath during exercises that require stillness, but it is very important that oxygen is transported to the necessary parts of the body through deep, lung-filling breaths.
5. Centering
As already mentioned, the use of the core muscles is central to Pilates. Centering ensures that we position the muscles of the torso properly so that the core muscles are brought fully into play.
6. Fluidity of Movement
Avoiding over-stretching and allowing the more muscles to propel the arms and legs without jarring during each exercise.
7. Stamina
Gaining strength gradually through following exercises by degree of difficulty.
8. Co-ordination
Engaging the mind and body in unison.
Some of the rewards of regularly practising Pilates include a stronger immune and lymphatic system, better posture and improved strength and resistance to injury and illness. It's definitely worth giving Pilates a go if you haven't tried. Like so many people, you may even find you get hooked!
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