IF YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF PILATES….
Here’s a brief summary of what everyone is talking about.
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880; he died in New York in
1967. He developed a fitness regime bearing his name, and successfully used
it to overcome his disabilities as a frail and sickly child.
Pilates devised a series of controlled movements that engage the mind and
body in developing strong, flexible muscles, without building bulk. Emphasis
was placed on developing deep torso strength and flexibility – know as
‘centering’ – to ensure proper posture and reduced risk of injury. The lithe
musculature and ease of movement possessed by a cat was an image he used to
illustrate the technique’s objectives. The Pilates method places a lot of
emphasis on correct posture and technique, and doesn’t rely upon a high
number of repetitive exercises.
The Pilates method of exercise has been very popular with dancers since the
1940’s but is now becoming much better know. Today individuals practising
Pilates include dancers, athletes, film
& pop stars such as Madonna,
Physiotherapists, fitness trainers, health care providers and other
professionals who appreciate the significant role exercise plays in
restoring and maintaining good health.
Erak, uses a combination of the Stott Pilates conditioning system,
which is one of the safest and most effective exercise programmes available
and the more medically based Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute
method. Erak’s teaching technique helps to tone and strengthen
muscles, increase abdominal and back strength, improve posture and body
mechanics, reduces joint and lower back stress, balance flexibility with
strength and reduces stress and tension. The smooth motions and emphasis on
proper breathing leave participants feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.
Technique is important and even experienced users of the method require a
teacher to assist them through their workout.
Think of your body as a high rise building: if everything is in the right
place and is strong, you don’t have a problem, but when there is an
imbalance in the body – if a muscle isn’t functioning properly, for example
– you become overloaded and off balance. The architecture will start
changing, fall out of place and bit-by-bit start to crumble.
Synergiselect Coaching and Training Ltd,
P.O. Box 1862, Amesbury, Salisbury, SP4 7WA
Tel: 01980 595 502 • Email: info@synergiselect.com
