WORLD CLASS
Joseph Pilates himself described his practice in three words — Strength , Flexibility and Control . Control is the most important part of the technique . By adjusting your posture , you strengthen your back muscles , relax the chest muscles and form a habit of keeping your upper body in this position until the next session . Joseph ’ s studio bore the name of « ART AND SCIENCE OF CONTROLO- GY » — the art of control over your body . His special training combined gymnastics , yoga and martial arts involving all the body muscles . Sadly , Pilates did not patent his method . As popularity grew , the whole world started using his name , Pilates , for numerous activities that often had nothing to do with his program . If you intend to practice Pilates and avoid these kind of issues , it ’ s time to get rid of those stereotypes ! So let ’ s start :
Talking about stereotypes
No . 1 : Pilates is for people with back problems ; it is a boring and low intensity practice . FALSE : Pilates is highly intense and often powerful . The stretching is achieved through muscle tension . These exercises have a number of variations allowing professional coaches to address any health issues while carrying out efficient muscle training . This variability in exercises even allows to people to exercise Pilates during the rehabilitation periods . Professional athletes also use Pilates to reduce their injury risks . Heather Ann Mills is a famous Pilates fan . The English philanthropist , and Paul McCartney ’ s ex-wife , discovered the benefits of Pilates after losing part of her left leg in a serious accident . Pilates became one of the main activities that assured her successful performance at the Paralympics .
No . 2 : Pilates is a good practice for pregnant women . Pilates works intensely on the pelvic floor muscles . If a woman was not practising Pilates before her pregnancy , she should absolutely abstain from it . If she is already familiar with the practice , she can exercise after the first trimester , but only under the supervision of a trained Pilates instructor .
No . 3 : Pilates are just exercises on a rug , involving balls and rings . I can practice with a coach who comes to my house . There are 15 different varieties of equipment based on motion simulation , specially created by Joseph Pilates . So no home gym , not even the most advanced , would be able to provide you a varied and interesting enough training . Even a coach who comes to your home and supervises your exercises on a mat will not be able to convey the full concept and depth of the method . The main piece of equipment used is the Reformer , which shows you how to properly engage your muscles , align the body and master the basics of Pilates . Using the Cadillac springs , you can concentrate on one single task , like easing back tension or increasing mobility . The Wunda Chair will let you perform gymnastic exercises that require maximum concentration and control .
No . 4 : I ’ ve been practicing Pilates in a group . Individual work is one of Pilates ’ key advantages . There are no two people the same ; there are no two trainings the same . The best option is to start a program under the guidance of an experienced trainer who will be taking into account your personal needs . The coach will suggest exercises based on your anatomy and your goals . During this period , you will learn the basic techniques and get an idea of how your body works . Try to stick to private lessons 2-3 times a week over 1 month . Once you are familiar with the first phase of the course , you may start attending group classes . Whatever it is , to really change your
movement and get rid of your bad body habits , you need an experienced , one-on-one personal trainer .
No . 5 : I am working with a personal coach , he is certified . When exercising with a trainer , you must be sure of his knowledge , accuracy and clarity of his exercises . Ask your coach what school he went to and how his certification process was organized . For example , in the US , a Pilates trainer must obtain a special license and reconfirm it every year , just like a doctor . Remember — teaching a weekly seminar or a weekend course does not make a good Pilates coach . There are many training centres out there , but not all schools are recognized by authentic Pilates instructors . Some of the best schools are Romana ’ s Pilates New York and Metropolitan Pilates Seattle , where the certificate is earned after a minimum of 300 hours practice in a studio , and upon passing written and practical exams .
Conclusions
Pilates is suitable for any level of training and has no contradictions . Whether a man or a woman , a young sportsman or an elderly person - everyone will benefit from this training . Pilates works on every aspect of your physical form — core strength , endurance , flexibility , dexterity . « After many years of my teaching practice , I can say that Pilates is not only a system of exercises in a studio , but also a life philosophy . I always set myself a task of changing my client ’ s life in the space of one hour , sharing with him a precious gift from Joseph Pilates ,» said Dmitry .
Dmitry also teaches individual Pilates classes at World Class Monaco ( www . wclass . fr .) rus
С чего все начиналось
Стремясь побороть свои недуги , создатель программы Джозеф Пилатес еще в подростковом возрасте активно занимался разными видами спорта , изучал йогу и китайскую систему физических упражнений тай-чи . В итоге он разра- ботал собственную программу упражнений , благодаря которой ему удалось не только избавиться от болезней , но и достичь неплохих спортивных результатов . По сути , его метод представляет собой синтез восточных и западных форм тренировки — от йоги до греко-римской борьбы . Его последователи , среди кото-
Hello Monaco – Winter 2018 / 139