Day 20 of 365 - Getting to the Core of Things With Pilates

On Wednesday mornings I attend  a small Pilates class, and have been doing so for a few years now.  I had certainly heard about Pilates but it struck me as something very difficult to do.  When I was a member of a studio which offered different classes, I opted to give it a try.  This was mainly because one of my friends from another class was the teacher.

My impression was that it would be about core strength and I thought the other classes and exercising I did already addressed that.  Little did I know!  At first, it was very challenging, one of those classes you are relieved to see end.  But, with great teaching and guidance I came to enjoy it and now rarely miss a class.

I've had a low back issue for several years which persistently caused me discomfort, despite various treatments and body work.  Although not completely resolved, I have felt a tremendous improvement since making Pilates a part of my regimen.

There are different schools and styles of Pilates which developed over time.  The method my teacher uses is mainly based on Stott Pilates.  The origins of Pilates are interesting to know.  Joseph Pilates lived in Germany and had developed his own methods of strengthening and exercise to address his own body and health issues.  When he was imprisoned during the first World War he was working in an infirmary.  There he expanded the application of his knowledge by developing strengthening equipment and exercises for non-ambulatory patients.  This was the precursor to what is known as the Pilates Reformer equipment of today.

Pilates moved to the U.S. in 1926 where he and his wife opened a fitness studio, introducing the dance world to his methods.  Original disciples of those methods went on over time to create their own techniques, resulting in the different schools which exist now.

My current teacher has a background in dance and has led classes for both dancers and non-dancers over time.  She always has great posture and her movement is fluid and graceful, which she attributes to Pilates as well as dance.

Our class does not use the Reformer equipment.  Our exercises are done on yoga mats with accessories at times of balls, straps, blocks or rollers.  Because it is a small class in her home, our teacher can keep a careful eye on our technique and gives us helpful coaching.

I thought I already knew a lot about my body and how it works but, what I have learned from Pilates has taken that knowledge to a whole new level.  Some of my Pilates exercises are incorporated into my early morning routine described in a previous post.  A lot of it is quite subtle but powerful.  Again, I am very grateful to have this teaching and practice in my health and wellness regime.

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