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Pilates Reformer Studio
BENEFITS OF PILATES REFORMER TRAINING
Building core strength
Long lean muscles
Maintain & control weight
Explore the possibilities stored within. Individualized attention can transform your approach to your body, eating habits, mental and emotional awareness, and managing stress.
Enjoy the studio space and offerings at your convenience. For more information, contact Corena at 294-5999.
Call today to book your appointment to reshape your body.
294-5999
Return to Life
I have been accused (rightfully so) of writing articles mostly about yoga and abandoning the Pilates portion of our studio. Forgive me. Please. Pilates is an important element of the studio and that's obviously why we have it here. It has many health and healing elements to it that many of the diehard yogis may not understand. Let's do some Pilates 101 this month from Joseph himself. Much of the following information is derived from his writings Return to Life Through Contrology.
What is Contrology? The system of exercise that coordinates the body, mind and spirit. Through Contrology 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 subconscious activities.
Wow, Joe, that seems like a lot of $5 words. Here it is in English: Gain mastery over your core (abs, back, buttocks and lung area) and over time your body and mind come into a natural harmony physically which will overflow into a spiritual harmony as well. Through regular practice, the body creates new patterns of perfect alignment that will be repeated subconsciously, thus dissipating everyday aches and pains.
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Joe doesn rsquo;t have a way with words, does he? This is what it does: You have to be consistent. It won't work any other way. You begin to move with grace and ease, instead of grunts and moans. It will allow your body to gain access to the full power available when your mind trains your breath and muscles to move in unison. He taught to "squeeze" every atom of air from your lungs until they are almost as free of air as is a vacuum. He also said that the human body could withstand more neglect, successfully, than can the complicated machinery of a modern steamship (I'm not kidding). Let's say computer, instead. The statement is true, nonetheless. There is no good reason to tax our bodies beyond bounds of endurance, as we would just hurt ourselves. A balanced exercise program is what we are aiming for.
Bodily House Cleaning with Blood Circulation
Pilates creates an internal shower, as does yoga. The bloodstream will carry and discharge more and more of the accumulated debris created by fatigue. The exercises carry blood into capillaries, which ordinarily are rarely ever fully stimulated once we have reached adulthood. They revitalize the organs of the body, including the important sweat glands, reduce heart strain, purify the blood and develop the lungs. In order to receive these benefits, the exercises must be done with precision and followed to even the subtlest degree.
Pilates Principles
There are several variations of Pilates principles, ranging from those that Joseph Pilates pioneered in the early 1900s to contemporary adaptations that incorporate modern understanding of fitness, anatomy and biomechanics. Some Pilates forms tout five basic principles, while others stress nine fundamentals. Essentially, the Pilates principles are as follows:
- Concentration - That all-important mind-body connection. Conscious control of movement enhances body awareness.
- Control/Precision - It's not about intensity or multiple "reps"' it's more about proper form for safe, effective results.
- Centering - A mental focus within the body calms the spirit. A particular focus on the torso (abs, pelvic girdle, lower back, gluts), as develops a strong core and enables the rest of the body to function efficiently. All action initiates from the trunk and flows outwards to the extremities.
- Stabilizing - Before you move you have to be still. Makes for a safe starting place for mobility.
- Breathing - Deep, coordinated, conscious diaphragmatic patterns of inhales and exhales initiate movement, help activate deep muscles and keep you focused.
- Alignment - Proper alignment is key to good posture. You'll be aware of the position of your head and neck on the spine and pelvis, right down through the legs and toes.
- Fluidity - Smooth, continuous motion rather than jarring repetitions. Pilates has a grace and elegance to it.
- Integration - Several different muscle groups are engaged simultaneously to control and support movement. All principles come together, making for a holistic mind-body workout.
What does it really do? Similar to yoga in that we stretch and strengthen, Pilates offers a wonderful compliment to your yoga practice. It increases flexibility without demanding it as yoga some-times can. It increases body and breath awareness, focus and alignment. The best part of Pilates for me is that I can have a workout that rejuvenates my body without wearing it out. If I know I am the center of my own problem and don't have the energy to face my yoga mat, I can shift to the other mat, Pilates, and still nurture myself.
