Asked | Joseph Pilates

Pilates is a fitness system or routine developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the early 20th century. It is currently one of the most popular fitness regimen followed by over 10 million people in the United States. The practice of Oakland pilates and physical therapy follows several principles which include concentration, breathing, alignment, flexibility, control, and precision.

Even though Pilates is more often marketed in the mainstream market as a weight loss program, it is also used as a holistic method of achieving mental and emotional well-being. Here are some of the most common questions that beginners have regarding Pilates.

What can I gain from practicing Pilates?

Aside from being an effective fitness regimen to achieve weight loss, Pilates is also a good program to enroll in if you want to increase flexibility and improve your posture. If you’re a dancer, you will also benefit from Pilates because it will help you gain more muscle flexibility without resulting to the usual muscle bulk. It also strengthens the back and spine, improves circulation, and increases joint mobility.

And because Pilates also follows the principle of concentration and centering, it is not only your body that will reap the benefits but also the mind. Like yoga, Pilates is known to relieve mental and physical stress and anxiety.

Is it safe to practice Pilates in light of recent injury?

Yes. Pilates programs and exercises can be tailored to fit the individual’s conditions. Regardless of whether you’re pregnant or have had recent injuries, a good Pilates instructor should be able to create a program that practices the principles of Pilates while keeping in mind the “sensitive” body areas that cannot be strained by sudden movements.

As a matter of fact, recent studies have shown that Pilates may even be able to help rehabilitate injuries. The Pilates instructor just has to make sure that the movements and exercises are low-impact, but still designed to improve mobility and promote neuromuscular re-education.

What should I wear during Pilates classes?

There isn’t really anything in particular that you are required to wear during Pilates sessions. You can just wear the usual workout clothes that you would ordinarily wear whether you’re running, doing bench presses, or yoga. However, most Pilates instructors prefer their students to wear something form-fitting so they will be better able to see your movements and how your body responds to the exercises.

Do I have to use equipment to progress through levels?

Pilates was initially practiced as a system involving only mat exercises. However, as the practice evolved, people started doing Pilates with the help of simple equipment that are designed to help further the principles and aims of Pilates, among which are body flexibility, resistance, control, and alignment. Among the commonly used Pilates equipment are the Ladder Barrel, balls and discs, Combo Chair, Reformer, Springboard and Trapeze Table.

Depending on your goal and what you want to achieve with your Pilates sessions, you should talk to your instructor about your goals, and your preferences regarding use of equipment so they can recommend a program that would work best for you. Sometimes instructors will combine mat exercises with the use of simple equipment.

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Derek Groves –
About the Author:

This article was prepared on behalf of Stable Core Pilates (http://www.StableCorePilates.com). Stable Core Pilates is located at 2006 MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland, California. Drop by their office today and look for Valerie Loo or visit their website to learn more about the Oakland pilates and physical therapy sessions and classes they offer.

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