Pilates Exercise Specialists Program, Wellington,

Pilates Exercise Specialists Program, Wellington, New Zealand, is guaranteed to make the user 'feel' the difference after two sessions, 'see' the difference after another few sessions, and make others 'notice' the difference after a few more weeks. What is Pilates Exercise, and how is it done? What is it supposed to do for the individual who opts for the Program, and how will the individual respond to it? The Pilates Exercise Program is supposedly one of the most comprehensive exercise programs ever offered to an individual who wants to exercise regularly. What it consists of is a full range of exercises to be done on machines and other equipment, and also a set of mat exercises. The Program is also often referred to as 'The Pilates Method of Mental and Physical Conditioning', and the Program is basically structured and tailored according to the individual's personal and unique needs, and must be performed on specially designed exercise equipment. (Welcome to the world of Pilates Exercise)

The Pilates Method is not only popular with the average person, who would wish to perform daily exercises, but also with medical practitioners, and from exercise specialists and also from sports professionals. This is because of the innate quality of the Pilates Exercise Program, which actually stretches and bends and flexes the body, and also performs the added functions of toning the body, rehabilitating the injured body, and preventing injuries, and also of providing immense relief from back pains. Added to all these benefits, there are some more advantages of using the Pilates Exercise Program. The clients of the Program have reported that after using the Program they have felt immense relief from stress, fatigue and any other types of physical discomforts that they may have been experiencing, and because of the fact that they no longer felt vulnerable or tired and irritable, they often state that they felt that they had received a new lease on life, because they felt more self-confident, and also felt that they had more endurance for all of life's daily stresses and strains.

The Pilates Exercise Program believes that the individual who enrolls for the Program must be ready to spend a few months of his time in seeking relief for whatever ails him, through the method, and this is where, the Directors of the Pilates Program say, most people lack, because of the truth that they will never be ready to invest a lot of time in the improvement of their physical and mental health. The Directors also state that the identification of the weaker parts of the body in order to concentrate the exercise Program on those weaker parts to gain better benefits may be an easier task than getting the individual to continue in the Program. However, if the person is as committed as the team of professional who are in charge of the Program are, then the results would be more obvious within a shorter period of time than expected. Actually developed in order to rehabilitate wounded soldiers during the World War I, the Pilates Method of Mental and Physical Conditioning are of immense value for those persons who have to undergo rehabilitation exercises after any sort of injuries or worse to the body. (Welcome to the world of Pilates Exercise)

The objective of the Program is to be able to achieve both mental and physical balance of the person to be treated, and in order to achieve this, the person is put through a series of tests that would identify the physical weaknesses in the individual's body, and then go about the process of the correction of the weaknesses and the imbalances. Structural alignment and muscular balance is the aim of the Program, and the individual who enrolls would be in a perfectly fit condition when he finishes the program. In addition, when a person is to undergo rehabilitation exercises, it is a fact that unnecessary surgery would be avoided if he were to follow the Pilates Exercise Program, because it would not only restore the strength of the muscles but also rejuvenate and tone the wasted muscles and build up the person's endurance. (Welcome to the world of Pilates Exercise)

II. History of Pilates:

The Pilate Program has a long and interesting history behind it. It was in the year 1926 that Joseph Pilates and his wife; Clara Pilates arrived from Germany as German immigrants, and landed up in New York. The young Joseph Pilates had been a severely asthmatic child, and this prompted and motivated him as a child, to attempt to improve his physique and general physical condition so that he would be able to better fight the asthma that was plaguing him. This is why he took up the practice of the techniques of the Indian exercises called 'Yoga', and also some forms of marital arts of the Eastern part of the world. Exercises and a strict conditioning regimen that Joseph managed to follow kept him completely physical as well as mentally fit, and this was attributed in no small measure to the various exercises that he followed, as well as the approval and guidance of his wife Clara, who was a Nurse herself. (An overview of the Pilates Technique)

More than seventy years later, the techniques that were followed by Joseph Pilates became the cornerstone of the 'Balanced Body Method', and to this day, the followers of the method swear by it. Joseph Pilates was also an avid gymnast and a pugilist with a whole lot of extremely creative ideas and concepts on physical fitness and its maintenance through exercises. In addition, he also had a number of brilliant ideas on the theme of rehabilitation after physical injuries of any sort, especially to the spinal column and the backbone. In fact, during the First World War, Joseph Pilates at an internment camp rigged up a hospital bed on the premises so that the wounded soldiers could begin their treatment and recovery at the internment camp itself, while they were still lying down flat on their backs. This idea was what happened to evolve into the Cadillac method, wherein the concentration was to be on a 'whole' method of exercise, which was named 'Contrology' at that time by none other than Joseph himself. (An overview of the Pilates Technique)

In 1923, soon after their arrival in New York, the Pilates set up an 'Exercise Studio' at 939, Eighth Avenue, but the sad fact is that no records exist as to these few years of Joseph Pilates' practice. However, by the year 1940, the Dance Community of New York had found that the Exercise Studio run by Joseph Pilates was indeed notorious, and this was because, according to a newspaper article, almost anybody and everybody who had enrolled in the 'Joseph's Pillow' from the years 1939 to 1951, had in fact to submit meekly to all the various ministrations of the highly spirited and exuberant Joseph Pilate. By the beginning of the 1960's, Pilates had become extremely well-known and widely acknowledged as a Dance Instructor, and almost every single Dancer at the time had received instruction from him, including the young ballet dancers who belonged to the New York Ballet School, and his fame started to spread outside New York too. Soon, Joseph Pilates' dancing and breathing techniques were adapted by Dance Schools everywhere, and numerous young dancers would dance and breathe Pilates' techniques, without even being aware that the creator of the method was in fact very much alive, and was named Joseph Pilates.

There were a number of students of Joseph who started their own Studios while the man himself was still alive, and the more famous among them are the German contortionist Carola Trier who had suffered an injury and was put back into action by Joseph Pilate, after which she was helped in setting up her own Studio. Another famous student was the sportsman Bob Seed, who was an avid fan and admirer of Joseph and wanted to emulate him and his techniques. When Joseph Pilates passed away, there was confusion as to who would continue all his good work. When Ron Fletcher, another great fan of Pilates' methods of exercise, opened his own Studio in Los Angeles in the 1970's, he managed to attract a great many Hollywood stars, and this led to the added popularity of Pilates' methods. Fletcher brought in some innovations to the existing techniques of the Pilates' workouts, and these remain, to this day, an integral part of the Joseph Pilates Exercise Programs. (An overview of the Pilates Technique)

III) Pilates and the manner in which the Pilates technique benefits the very core of the body and conditions it

The Pilates Total Conditioning Program is one in which the human body is virtually worked 'from the inside out', by laying the maximum emphasis and focusing primarily on the 'core' muscles of the body. What are these core muscles and where are they located? Core muscles are those muscles tat are located in the stomach and the back regions of the human body, and the fact that they are literally in the very center of the body has led to them being referred to as 'core' muscles. Pilates Total Conditioning Program lays emphasis not only on proper exercises, but also on the proper breathing while in the process of performing any one typical body movement. In other words, the technique is very similar to the ancient Indian exercise, 'yogasana', and in the same way in which the practitioners of yoga concentrate not only on exercises and specific body movements, but also on specific deep breathing exercises while performing the exercises, the Pilates' methods attempt to control and regulate the breathing of the individual during the course of his exercise regimen. (Pilates, a Core Conditioning Program)

However, one significant difference between yoga and Pilates is the fact that while yoga concentrates more on breathing and its regulation, Pilates concentrates more on exercises. Another difference is that while yoga is practiced more for spiritual benefit hat comes as a result of physical welfare and well being, Pilates is practiced more for the benefits of good exercise and deep breathing exercises. It was those Hollywood celebrities who started to practice Pilates because they wanted a better alternative solution to the often too tedious and strenuous exercises offered at that time, like for example, aerobics, which involves a large amount of jumping and running and other such extremely physical activities, and running, which often gave the practitioners severe back pains and knee injuries and the like, because of the stress placed on the joints and the feet, that gave Pilates the fame that by right belonged to it. Sportsmen, dancers, and others who found that they could not take the strain of an extremely active exercise regimen found that the program being offered by Pilates was a definitely better alternative, and this led to the immense popularity of the Program.

The Pilates exercises are generally practiced on a mat placed on the floor, or with specialized equipment, or a combination of both. The practitioners are taught at the very outset, the various ways in which to use their own body weight to offer resistance, so that they would be able to go through, gradually, a series of exercises that would actually stretch and at the same time, strengthen the core muscles of the body. Most of these exercises are done either while sitting on the floor or by lying on it, and the concentration is not on endless repetitions, where the individual may start to get bored, but on doing one movement just a few times. If the individual prefers to use equipment for his exercises instead of just the mat, then that particular equipment is used in the same way as the body is used during the performance of the floor exercises, that is, the body itself is used to provide resistance; while in this case; the machinery is used for providing resistance. The equipment that Pilates uses may be either rigged with boards, or with pulleys, or with springs and straps that are supposed to support the body, especially the hands and the feet, during the exercises. The most important piece of equipment that is used by the Pilates Total Conditioning Program is the 'Reformer', and this is much like the traditionally used Rowing Machine that can be found in nay modern Gymnasium, and this Reformer runs back and forth on rollers, with springs fitted in for the purpose of resistance. Generally, there will be a number of attachments fitted in, and these attachments will make the exerciser perform a larger variety of exercises than without them. (Pilates, a Core Conditioning Program)

Strength, proper breathing, and flexibility are all achieved after a few sessions of the Pilates Program of developing the core muscles of the body, and the nervous system, and the respiratory system derive immense benefits form this regimen. (Fitness, Pilates) Since Pilates is an exercise that concentrates on the total conditioning of he body, and achieving not only body alignment but also straightening and strengthening the spine, while at the same time concentrating on deep breathing exercises that would work their benefits on the respiratory and the nervous systems of the body, it can be said that it is a revolutionary exercise that would provide tremendous health benefits to the persons who practice it, regularly. (Pilates: Montaine, Center of Health and Wellness)

IV) What are the main benefits of Pilates?

The benefits of the Pilates Exercise Programs are many. The first benefit is the one, which benefits the Pelvic Floor. This is achieved by the several different floor and mat exercises as well as by the equipment exercises that are a part of the exercise program. There is a very strong relationship between the muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor, and when the Pilates exercises are done, pelvic floor function will be greatly improved. Women especially find this to be of immense benefit, whether or not they have borne children as yet. Men too find it useful, because the pelvic exercises not only control incontinence, but also protect the prostrate gland, and thereby improve dramatically their sexual functions that may have been caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. The creation of 'core stability' is another benefit that is derived from Pilates Exercises. (Fitness Connection, Pilates and Yoga wise)

It is a well-known fact that core stability is created by the various muscles in the abdomen and the mower back, and when these muscles are improved, then the vital core of the body is strengthened, and the body receives a strong and stable center, which is absolutely important for the maintenance of good posture and control all through a person's everyday life. This would also have the added benefit of preventing back injury. The third benefit that is derived from the Pilates Program is that the abdomen will become flattened, and this will not only improve posture, but will also improve the strength of the lower back. A series of deep abdominal exercises would help in this, and these exercises are done from the waist downwards, so that the entire abdomen is involved. Most post-menopausal women find that this offers them immense benefits as they may be prone to osteoporosis, and may damage their spine if they were to do any other type of exercises, like for example, sit-ups.

Yet another advantage of taking up the Pilates exercise regimen is that bone density would be greatly improved, and therefore, adequate protection against arthritis and osteoporosis is offered. This is because of the fact that the Pilates exercises are basically weight bearing, and also non-impact type of exercises, and this means that when weight is borne, the bone density would improve automatically, and therefore, osteoporosis is prevented. The mat works of Pilate's exercises will the shape and the muscle tone of the exerciser, and a lot of fat is lost around the abdominal areas and the gluteals. However, it must be remembered that Pilates does not claim that calories will be burnt, or that weight will be lost. Therefore, it is generally advised that when the individual wants to lose weight, then he must combine Pilates with a set of aerobic exercises. Ante and post natal exercisers, that is, women who are pregnant or who have just delivered a baby, will find that Pilates offers them more benefits than any other type of exercise regimen, since Pilates guarantees that the muscles that have been loosened by pregnancy and its aftermath will be tightened and strengthened, and many small minor discomforts that pregnancy usually brings will be forgotten. (Fitness Connection, Pilates and Yoga wise)

In a nutshell, the many benefits of the Pilates regimen of exercises are as follows: a better posture, a better alignment, and a better balance of the body, a greater awareness of the body and the various muscles that perform various different functions, without us being aware of it, better flexibility, stronger and leaner muscles, a great relief from back pains caused by sports injuries, and chronic types of back pains, stronger deep or core muscles, a better range or full range of movement, a full body workout, and a decrease in mental stress and tensions. To be able to achieve all these benefits from one single exercise regimen is truly amazing, and this is the reason why this exercise regimen is so popular all over the world, even today. (Pilates, a Core Conditioning Program) Some more benefits, in the words of the famous Pilates himself, are the lengthening of the body, and the decompression of the spine, the stimulation of the circulatory system and the oxygenation of the blood, help in healing injured tissues, and the alleviation of mental stress. (What is Pilates?)

V) Who can benefit from Pilates?

Anyone and everyone, young and old, from those who are new to exercise programs, to those hard core professional sportsmen and the like who must maintain an optimum fitness level so that they may perform their best in their chosen field. (About IM=X Pilates) People with any type of physical limitations can also use Pilates with a reasonable amount of surety that they will soon feel not only healthier but also less stressed and more physically fit than before. (Keeping it real with Kristen Shahverdian) For those people who want a firmer muscle tone, Pilates is the best, both floor exercises as well as mechanical systems contributing the similar amount of fitness levels. In addition, people who desire better cardiovascular fitness will also benefit greatly from Pilates exercises. People who suffer from lower back pains, mostly because they would have to sit in one position for long periods of time in front of their desks or their computers, the Pilates provides immense and immediate relief, because it stretches and tones all the muscles.

Pregnant women can also follow these exercises, as they are generally gentle and slow, therefore less risky than any other form of exercise regimen. Those senior citizens who may suffer from back problems, or any sort of neurological problems, or stiffness of the joints may also benefit, and his stresses and mental tensions would be gone by the time he finishes one single workout, and he would be able to leave the studio a changed man. People who have had some sort of accident and who need postural rehabilitation would be able to rebuild their lost muscle strength and tone that would have been lost after years of neglect. In fact, doctors and osteopaths and physiotherapists recommend these programs highly because of their gentle and slow nature. In addition, people who suffer from any sort of physical and mental ailment would also be able to enjoy the benefits of Pilates if it is done well and with complete faith. (Who Can Do Pilates & GYROTONIC®)

Pilates can even be applied to water, and the phenomenally successful 'Aqua Pilates' was created for just this reason. This is practiced with a general warm up, followed by an intense workout in the water, and then a cool down process. The main target of aqua Pilates is the thigh and calf muscles of the body, and also on the muscles on the shoulders, hips and abdomen. The exercises must be repeated for about fifty times in order to feel the benefit. The core muscles are developed and strengthened by these exercises. Not only would the exerciser lose more than a few couple of inches from around the waist, but he would also be able to improve his posture and improve his balance, improve his breathing and thereby improve his circulation and respiratory systems, and also notice a lessening of tension and stress. This is indeed a complete workout, and something that the entire world has been waiting for! (Living it Up: The History of the Game of Billiards)

VI) Modification of Pilates for elderly people:

Since it is a fact that Pilates is a form of exercise that even elderly and the weak can perform with comfort and ease, it can definitely be taken up by such groups of people. Pilates is a type of activity that can be performed even while sitting, since it for the most part involves the stretching of muscles and the development of resistance. Today, it is increasingly being recognized that even the elderly need to perform some sort of exercise on a daily basis so that they may be able to maintain their basic fitness levels, and so that they may remain strong and healthy and active. Even those elderly persons who are in an extremely weakened condition may perform certain Pilates exercises so that their health would improve, and also as a sort of rehabilitation. The ageing process would also be delayed, and the elderly person would be able to think and act on his own without relying on others, like for example, the personnel in a nursing home where he may have been admitted because he may no longer be self-sufficient and strong enough to be able to function on his own. (Exercise, why you should do it)