| Q: |
Pilates is based on six principles. What are they? |
|
| A: |
The most important principle is concentration. You must be very conscious of the exercises. Second is control. Every movement is to be done with control, so you aren't just throwing your body around. Third is centering, so that you are evenly using your body. Think of a plumb line down the middle of the body working both sides evenly. The fluidity of the exercise is fourth. It's important because once you've learned the routine, it should look something like a dance where every movement flows into the next. Precision is fifth. You try to make each movement as precise as possible. Finally, breath is also very important to the exercises. You don't want to hold your breath at all. So again, concentration, control, centering, fluidity, precision and breath are the six basic principles. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Describe one of the exercise in Pilates. |
|
| A: |
The first exercise you do is "the hundreds" which consists of ten breaths of ten counts to equal 100. You lie on the floor, lift your legs up to about a 45 degree angle, or wherever you can hold them, and keep your back flat. While holding your legs in the air you engage the abdominals and lift your head and shoulders off the mat so you are in a scoop. Then you pump your arms by your side, almost as if you were slapping on water, pumping them up and down. Because both your legs and head are up in the air it forces the blood to go to your heart and pumping your arms back and forth forces the blood through your body. You're getting your circulation going and stimulating your organs making it both an internal and an external workout. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
How is Pilates different from other forms of exercise? |
|
| A: |
Pilates is different from most exercises out there because it's low impact, safe and it really works on using the body as a whole. It's a non-impact workout. You're either lying on your back, on your side or kneeling on the floor where it's safe. When you move the body, you're trying to move it from the powerhouse, using your abdominal wall to protect your back. You're also working the body very evenly and symmetrically, making sure one side is not working harder than the other. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Is Pilates an exercise that can benefit everyone? |
|
| A: |
Pilates is good for any healthy human being. Even people with injuries can benefit from it. I can't say that it's great for everyone in every scenario, but in my experience, I've only had clients feel better after doing it. Injuries begin to cause less discomfort or go away completely. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Is Pilates a cardiovascular workout? |
|
| A: |
Initially the workout is slow moving because everything is being explained to you. Eventually, once you learn the workout and you're going through the motions, it becomes aerobic. You can get a cardiovascular workout when you're on the equipment and working on an advanced level because it's more physical. You have to work towards it, but Pilates can be cardiovascular. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
What are the differences between yoga and
Pilates? |
|
| A: |
There's a whole line of equipment in Pilates that doesn't exist in yoga, so it provides a different angle. You're doing exercises with the assistance and resistance of springs and pulleys. The springs may assist you or they may make an exercise more difficult, depending on the exercise. There's definitely a mind-body connection and a very similar fluidity in both. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Many people claim that Pilates reshapes the body. How does it do this? |
|
| A: |
Pilates has completely transformed my body and the bodies of most of my clients. I think it comes from using the powerhouse and really focusing on and strengthening the abdominal wall, teaching it to lay flat and be strong. If the stomach is sticking out, you are going to train it to stick out. In Pilates you're always thinking of this inward pull as if the navel is going in towards the spine and then lifting up slightly, pulling all of your abdominal wall very flat. You also make long, fluid, larger motions that lengthen and stretch the muscles. If you're consistent with it and make a commitment to yourself you can see a change in your body. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Describe the equipment used in Pilates. |
|
| A: |
All of the equipment looks like some kind of medieval torture device, which is kind of ironic because it makes you feel so good. The most commonly used pieces are the reformer, the cadillac and the mat, but there are several other small pieces of equipment, too. The reformer is a rectangular frame with four legs and a cushioned mat, or carriage, that slides back and forth on wheels with the resistance of springs and pulleys. The cadillac is a trapeze-like table that's 26 inches off the floor and has a canopy from which a trapeze, springs and pulleys hang. Because it's elevated, it's nice for older people if they have a problem getting down on the floor. Finally, there's the mat-the ideal apparatus for Pilates. It's ideal because there's nothing helping you. It's only you, your body weight and your alignment making the exercises fluid, controlled and precise. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
What should a person look for in a Pilates instructor? |
|
| A: |
Because Pilates is so hot right now there are a lot of different organizations claiming to offer certification using the movements of Joseph Pilates. So it's important to use your judgement and really get a feel for an instructor. Become knowledgeable about their certification and education. I studied for 600 hours. When I finished those 600 hours of observation, practice and written and practical exams, I had barely scratched the surface. Also, make sure they have insurance. If they don't have insurance you should wonder why. As with anything, become an educated consumer and ask questions. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Is Pilates the kind of exercise you can do every day? |
|
| A: |
Pilates is safe enough to do every day. Initially you may want to do it every day so you get a rhythm and become consistent. Ideally, it is something I would do every other day. Joseph Pilates used to say to do it three times a week. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Should a student expect to feel sore? |
|
| A: |
Feeling
sore is a very individual thing. Some people don't feel sore. I think that Pilates is what you put into it. If you're really conscious and making an effort to make every movement count, you'll most likely feel something the following day. I think it also has to do with one's athleticism. If you've been sedentary, you're probably going to feel it more than someone who's very active. It's all relative. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Describe the Living Arts(r) Pilates mat workouts. |
|
| A: |
Both the beginning and intermediate Living Arts(r) Pilates mat workouts are set up so you can work towards a goal. My co-star, Tara, does each exercise I do but a little less advanced. The beginning student should watch her initially. Once they're able to master what Tara does, they should watch me. Essentially, each tape offers multi-level training. We also demonstrate how to modify the exercises for injuries or discomfort. Both tapes are great for different physical abilities as well as different age groups. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Do you think Pilates will continue to grow in popularity? |
|
| A: |
I think that Pilates is tried and true. It has been around for more than 75 years. It works. With the introduction of mat classes, just like Living Arts(r) mat videotapes, it's accessible to more people and it's not so cost-prohibitive. You can now pay around $15 and take a mat class in a group setting with an instructor. I don't think Pilates is ever going to disappear because it does work. |
|
|
|
|
| Q: |
Do you have any advice for beginners on how to get the most benefit from
Pilates? |
|
| A: |
Be consistent, especially in the beginning. Don't just try it once and put the tape away. Give it a few shots and do it in succession. Make it your reward, your break from a hectic day. Also, listen to your body and really concentrate-it makes for a better workout. Someone once told me that you need to "arrive," meaning you have to be there. To get the most out of Pilates you have to be very present. Your body and mind will thank you. |
|
