The Pilates Method, also known as Pilates or Pilates Exercises, is a physical fitness method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.
Joseph Pilates sometimes referred to these exercises as Contrology, or to put it simply, the way through which one learns to use the mind to control the muscles in the body.
The Pilates Method focuses on the core postural muscles that keep the body balanced and provide support to the spine. The Pilates Method also involves the learning of awareness of breath and alignment of the spine. It focuses on strengthening of the torso muscles that are important to ease and prevent back pain.
Pilates equipment used for training is interesting if it is nothing else. You will come across names like Reformer and Cadillac. There are several types of Pilates equipment and props that can be used during Pilates training.
The Reformer was the first Pilates equipment to come into use when Joseph Pilates was interned in England during the First World War. During that time he spent a lot of time training people from Scotland Yard and at the same time helping with the rehabilitation of bed ridden patients that were suffering from the 1918 influenza epidemic.
The Reformer is made of a series of springs attached to a sliding platform. The whole thing is supported by a frame. With a little imagination it can start resembling a rowing machine. The platform can be moved by either pulling the pulleys or by pushing on the foot bar. When you are on the Reformer, the platform is moving and maintaining balance can become difficult but that is where the exercising of the muscles comes into play. There are many exercises that can be performed on the Reformer.
Another popular Pilates equipment is the Cadillac. Due to its appearance the Cadillac can give people mental images of medieval torture racks. Please be assured that it is completely safe. The Cadillac consists of a platform with posts on all four corners. It is somewhat like a bed with the corner posts providing various levers and pullets that provide support as well as resistance during your Pilates workout.
Since the time of Joseph Pilates, more than 80 separate exercises have evolved and all of these can be performed on the Cadillac. Each of these 80 exercises focuses on a specific group of muscles in the body. A lot of exercises focus on the development of the body's core strength in the abdomen.
A note of caution with regard to Pilates equipment and exercise: Do not use either without a thorough demonstration from an experience Pilates exerciser.
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