Bounce Magazine February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 | ISSUE #40
THE SELF CENTRE
Why
Pilates?
Joseph Pilates was born at the end
of the nineteenth century.
A sickly child, he was determined to overcome
the ailments that restricted his life, he strived
to achieve this through gymnastics, diving and
skiing, passionately believing that fitness was
the key. As an adult his careers varied from
circus performer to self-defence instructor until
World War 1 where, as a German national, he
was interred. He devoted his time in captivity to
developing an exercise programme to help his
fellow inmates. Later in the war, he used his new
techniques to develop healthy muscle tone and
assist those learning to walk again.
Jumping forwards to today, Pilates is practiced
across the world by over 12 million people. The
techniques have been adapted and added to over
the years; however the six main principles remain
the same: breath, concentration, centring, control,
precision and flow. Modern Pilates focuses on
strengthening the core muscles with the intention
of bringing the body back into balance, improving
posture, and taking pressure off the back.
Other benefits include a flatter stomach, tighter
buttocks and a toned body. Exercises can focus
on particular muscles groups to aid rehabilitation
after illness, increase mobility and improve
general health.
Classes are typically an hour long and may use
props such as blocks, belts and balls to assist
and support movement. Pilates works with the
body to bring it back to a healthy alignment, at
first it may feel that nothing or very little change
is happening, so it is recommended to follow a
course of 8-10 classes is taken before expecting
to feel a real change.
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