Working your powerhouse
Twentieth century workout focuses on your core and has numerous variations
Elizabeth McLeod

"Pilates works to improve flexibility, balance and posture as well as toning and strengthening the entire body. It can correct imbalances and strengthen chronic weaknesses. The exercises are easily modifiable to all fitness levels." – Emma Morgan, fitness expert and founder of Bootcamp Athletics.

 

Have you ever heard the term powerhouse in the world of physical fitness and wondered exactly what that is, where that is, or how you can work yours? Well look no further than the practice of Pilates, a unique and effective way to exercise.

Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, who throughout his life, made a living as a gymnast, diver, bodybuilder, professional boxer, circus-performer, and self-defence trainer. Needless to say, he had an excellent grasp on the workings of the human body.

Pilates called the method, by which he developed the system, contrology, using the mind to control the muscles. His methods were first utilized to rehabilitate injured soldiers in World War I, and quickly gained widespread popularity.

The central aims of Pilates involve attempts to create a connection between the mind and the body through principles of correct breathing, centreing, concentration, control, precision, efficiency of movement, and flexibility. Pilates exercises draw on the powerhouse region of the body, comprised of the abs and buttocks, while maintaining a series of poses. The benefits of Pilates are numerous.

"Pilates works to improve flexibility, balance and posture as well as toning and strengthening the entire body," said Emma Morgan, fitness expert and founder of Bootcamp Athletics. "It can correct imbalances and strengthen chronic weaknesses. The exercises are easily modifiable to all fitness levels."

Other health benefits of Pilates include the reduction of stress, improvement of concentration, and increased mental awareness. A famous quote by Joseph Pilates outlines the true nature of the system as being, "the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind, fully capable of naturally performing our many daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure."

Pilates is often connected or confused with the practice of Yoga. There are, however, a number of differences between the two practices.

"The most obvious difference between Pilates and Yoga is how much more movement there is in Pilates exercises," explained certified instructor Joleen Constantis. "Yoga uses static positions, whereas Pilates uses long sweeping motions to stretch as well as strengthen your body."

Pilates may also incorporate the use of various machines while Yoga is machine-free. These differences make these two workouts great complementary exercises.

There have been a number of variations from the original form of Pilates. The four main schools of Pilates, which have become predominant today are, Fletcher Pilates, Stott Pilates, Power Pilates, and Winsor Pilates.

Fletcher Pilates is a method developed by a protégé of Joseph Pilates, Ron Fletcher. Now 88, Fletcher has been called 'a true master of movement.' His unique method incorporates all traditional Pilates concepts with his own concepts.

Stott Pilates incorporates modern exercise principles, including methods of spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement, in its movement. It is considered to be the safest form of Pilates due to its increased focus on the sensitive nature of the spine.

You may have seen infomercials for Winsor Pilates, the third main variation. Winsor Pilates is available through a variety of at home DVDs and is known for its weight loss, body sculpting, and abdominal workout videos. It touts quick and easy toning and sculpting, as well as being a favourite amongst celebrities.

Power Pilates was founded in 1989 and is the fourth and final main school of Pilates. The goal of Power Pilates is to provide classical Pilates training that honours the integrity of the methods initially developed by Joseph Pilates. Power Pilates stresses the proper education of its instructors. It emphasizes its differences from other schools of Pilates, stating that it has taken a different track right from its inception, and is neither the fastest, cheapest or easiest form. The focus of this type of Pilates is on structure and discipline.

Pilates classes are offered at a variety of fitness facilities and range in level of difficulty. Most classes incorporate a combination of popular methods. Variations such as vertical and hot Pilates are now offered in addition to basic classes for added benefit. Classes are popular among men and women of all ages as the benefits that this method of exercise offers are great for everyone.

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