What is Pilates?
Originally called “Contrology,” what we now refer to as Pilates are the 500+ exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates nearly 100 years ago. These exercises, performed on a floor mat or on Pilates’ specially-designed equipment, uniquely combine eastern and western fitness and mind-body disciplines for a balanced, full-body workout. The movements are designed to strengthen the “core” or “powerhouse”– the muscles of the lower back, the abdomen, and the gluteals — to support the body’s natural architecture.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Focused on six essential principles – breathing, centering, control, coordination, flow of movement and precision – Pilates brings balance to the body through the uniform development of muscles. In addition to strengthening the core muscles, Pilates has a number of benefits, including increasing flexibility, decompressing the spine and other joints, improving posture and alignment, enhancing body awareness, developing longer, leaner muscles with better control and efficiency, sharpening concentration, improving breathing and circulation, reducing stress and fatigue, and coordinating mind, body and spirit.
Who can do Pilates? Is Pilates right for me?
Nearly everyone can do Pilates, no matter one’s age or fitness level. While the exercises will challenge even the most seasoned athlete, they can also be modified for those new to exercise or those dealing with issues such as lower back pain, arthritis or scoliosis. Pilates is also appropriate for someone who is recovering from injury or surgery. For the “exercise-averse”, Pilates provides a rewarding and successful pathway to achieving a fitness level often assumed to be unattainable. Many athletes or sports enthusiasts, particularly those involved in “one-sided” sports such as golf or tennis, find that Pilates is an ideal complement to their training to improve skill and performance, as well as reduce risk of injury. In short, Pilates is uniquely suited to be tailored to each individual’s personal fitness goals.
About TRX®
What is TRX® Suspension Training™?
Created by former Navy SEAL, Randy Hetrick, and developed by Fitness Anywhwere®, TRX® Suspension Training™ is an innovative method designed to provide a total body workout using your leveraged body weight. In researching other training systems, I found TRX® to be the ideal compliment to Pilates. Both TRX® and Pilates build balanced strength and flexibility. And, like Pilates, TRX® Suspension Training™ can be modified to meet the needs of the user — from a less intense workout for someone dealing with an injury or new to exercising to a powerful challenge for the serious athlete.