Pilates method, moving intelligently
For its creator Joseph Pilates, his method aims to make the body "strong like a Greek column and flexible like a cat", while being well in his head. A global gymnastics that goes far beyond simple physical exercise, a real makeover for your back and your whole body!
Goals
First objective: tonify the deep muscles and especially those of the center (also called "core" or "power house") whose main function is to ensure the posture. . Located between the ribs and pelvis, and all around the spine (abdominals, pelvic floor and back muscles), strengthening them improves strength and stability. Thanks to a harmonious work of all the muscular chains, training corrects postural imbalances and redraws the silhouette.
Second objective: By dint of repetitions executed in control and synchronized with the breath, the body integrates the right placement in space according to the exercises, For this, it uses internal sensors and external which helps to refine your body image and awareness of your alignment and your limits. The movement then gains in effectiveness and efficiency
third objective: Flexibility and joint mobility thanks to the multidirectional and gentle solicitation of all the joints. More mobility of the vertebral axis, shoulders and hips, will bring you ease and fluidity in everyday movements. If you have pathologies requiring the practice of progressive physical activity (osteoarthritis, arthritis, etc.), Pilates can help you. But always make sure you get the all clear from your doctor first.
Collateral benefits: thoracic breathing improves respiratory capacity, the activation of the deep abdominals stimulates intestinal transit and digestion, as for movement, it activates blood circulation. Icing on the cake, the concentration on the movement associated with thoracic breathing have a remarkable relaxing effect which promotes and regulates sleep
a method accessible to all
Pilates is for everyone and is based on 8 key principles :
Lateral thoracic breathing : specific to the practice
Concentration: focus on execution and sensations
Centering: all movements must start from the “center”.
Control: every movement is controlled in association with the breath.
Fluidity: sequence of exercises, like a choreography.
Precision: we aim for the quality of execution of the movement and not the quantity.
Isolation: to isolate the muscles to contract and relax the others
Regularity: in practice and frequency of training
If the exercises are done gently and without impact, it does not mean that we do not work hard and that we do not sweat!
The best method to start in Pilates is one to one, in other words the private lesson in order to adapt everything that needs to be adapted to your abilities and to understand and integrate the basics. Once you have acquired solid foundations, you will be able to safely access any group course.
Finally, choose a certified teacher and avoid crowded group lessons with no level specified.
Before your session, remember to inform your teacher of any health problem or physical constraint that could interfere in your practice. Preferably be on an empty stomach.