Strengthening from the Inside Out

Though Pilates is one of North America’s fastest growing exercise disciplines, it has actually been practiced for years! Joseph Pilates, creator of the Pilates Method, was years ahead of his time. In 1945, he established one of the first holistic fitness studios where he taught famous dancers how to incorporate the Pilates Method into their training regimes. It took off like wild fire in the dance world and it was not until later that Pilates was recognized for all of its benefits for people in all sports and lifestyles. Joseph devised his unique conditioning program after studying various forms of yoga, ballet, martial arts, the movements of animals, and strengthening programs. By combining knowledge from the East on philosophies of contemplation, relaxation, and mind/body connection, and knowledge from the West on exercise regimes with emphasis on muscle tone and strength, endurance, and intensity of movement -- the Pilates Method emerged.

Pilates works from the inside out. The main focus is to engage the deep, inner abdominal muscles while performing the exercises. Like a building, if the foundation is solid, the house will never fall. Likewise, if the body foundation is strong, injuries can be prevented and added strength and efficiency will be incorporated into all natural bodily movements. With Pilates, you will gain the benefits of a yoga class and the strengthening of a gym routine. Not only will it give you leaner muscles, less bulk and reduce stress on the joint, it will also improve your posture so you will feel taller and more graceful.

Pilates is not the only core-strengthening exercise regime that is growing in popularity. The Swiss ball has also gained much recognition for the benefits it provides. The Swiss ball emerged from Switzerland in the 1960s. At the time, it was being used to aid neurological development in children. Because the ball heightens balance and coordination skills, neurologists and physiotherapists thought the ball would be a natural tool to use in trying to develop these specific skills. The Swiss ball applications soon spread to other areas of health and before long, professional athletes were incorporating it into their training regimes. It became apparent the obvious benefits of the Swiss ball and thus, people of all different types started using the ball --hence it’s popularity today! The ball exercises help build and define the core stabilizer muscles working from the inside out. The exercises heighten sensory perception and mental reflexes and also work to harness control over the proprioceptive muscles, which are the ones that make you aware of how your body moves in space.

Both the Swiss ball and the Pilates exercise routine offer a safe, effective and intelligent workout that stretches and strengthens all the major muscle groups in a logical sequence, without neglecting the smaller, weaker muscles. The focus is on moving mindfully through the exercises and quality is always superior to quantity.