Even if you're vaguely familiar with the term Pilates from the gym, magazine articles or friends, you still might be asking yourself, "What is Pilates?" If you're looking for a new way to work out that improves flexibility and strengthens your muscles, you might want to give it a try. Pilates is a deceptively simply looking total-body workout program that uses core back and abdominal work to build strength. Its growing popularity has resulted in a long list of devoted followers, including Hollywood stars, fitness experts and professional athletes.
Joseph Pilates
The eponymous system of Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates, a native of Germany who, after having a sickly childhood, grew passionate about creating health and wellness in the body. The system of exercise he created is one that he called "contrology," which requires focused attention and concentration on core strength, stretching and breathing.
Pilates brought his exercises to veterans returning from World War I to support their physical rehabilitation and used springs taken from their hospital beds to assist them in performing the movements. These springs inspired some of the Pilates exercise equipment used today.
Borrowing from some of the principles of yoga, like dynamic tension, the Pilates program revolutionized the field of physical rehabilitation and it was soon after that Joseph Pilates realized his techniques could be used by anyone looking to build strength and improve flexibility.
Benefits of Pilates
In simplest terms, Pilates lengthens and strengthens your muscles, leading to increased strength and improved flexibility. Additionally, you may experience renewed energy and greater lung capacity from learning proper breathing techniques.
The Pilates system is comprised of a series of 500 different movements that work the body by strengthening the muscles in the abdomen and back. The practice also encourages focused concentration on proper breathing techniques and physical coordination and balance.
Each exercise movement flows smoothly into the next, encouraging the body to learn and remember new ways of movement and being. Devotees claim that it takes only a few classes before you're able to notice a significant difference in the way your body moves and feels. Some say that within a month of committed, steady practice it feels as though you inhabit a completely new body and have an increased energy level to match.
The Pilates technique is performed both on the floor, on a Pilates mat as well as on various pieces of equipment specifically designed for Pilates. Is there a difference between Pilates mat exercises and Pilates equipment? Only the form of the resistance: With mat exercises, your body provides the resistance to work against, whereas the machines can be set to provide the amount of resistance you want to work with.
Pilates Exercise Equipment
The most well-known piece of Pilates equipment is the Pilates Reformer, a machine that uses a pulley system to stretch the limbs and muscles. Reformers may be constructed of metal or wood, but the principles are the same: you lie down on the bed of the machine and position your arms and legs into a set of straps. The straps are then adjusted to suit your height and overall body size before performing a prescribed set of movement.
The bed of the Reformer slides on rollers and its springs create the resistance you work against. Exercises may be performed standing, kneeling, sitting or in a prone position. The springs can be adjusted to deliver lower or higher resistance depending on your fitness goals and current physical abilities.
Other pieces of equipment are the stability ball, the trapeze table, the Wunda chair, the resistance band, circle rings and the spine corrector. All pieces of equipment are low-impact and usually used for a specific series of movements.
Is Pilates Right for You?
Fitness experts tend to agree that Pilates is a perfect form of exercise for almost anyone. Although it doesn't deliver a significant cardiovascular workout, its low impact nature makes it a good fit for children, seniors and nearly everyone in between. People with back injuries may also benefit from practicing Pilates as the movements performed to strengthen the back muscles do so without placing pressure on them.
Pilates doesn't rely on high repetition of single movements, but instead, on perfect muscular control and proper form during the session. This focused muscle control-what Pilates called "contrology"-is what delivers results and delivers them in less time than other forms of exercise.
If Pilates intrigues you, consider taking a Pilates mat class to familiarize yourself with the program before committing to a series of classes or personal instruction. Although Pilates DVDs are widely available, it's strongly recommended that you study first with a certified Pilates instructor in order to learn proper form before you practice on your own.
If you decide that Pilates is right for you, you'll want to do a little research before you commit to a program or instructor. The information you need to know includes:
 | With basic pilates exercise equipment, you can start your new exercise regime in no time. |
 | Like all Pilates workouts, those on the mat focus on your powerhouse, or your core of abdominal muscles around your torso. |
If you're looking to tone your legs, try Pilates thigh-lengthening exercises to make them appear longer and thinner. |
When it comes down to looking at Pilates moves vs. yoga, which one is right for you? This guide will help you decide. |
