Pilates
Pilates is an exercise program which combines elements of a rehabilitation exercise and far eastern exercise techniques like yoga, tai chi, qigong etc. It is tailored for westerners, but it also acknowledges the mind-body connection.
The goal of the Pilates method is:
- Build a strong, hard, slim body.
- Strengthen the muscles and stretch contracted muscles.
- Remove muscle disbalance, wrong posture and mitigate
- Back pain, migraines, menstrual pain etc
- Improve breathing, support blood flow and vital organs function.
- Ensure general inner equilibrium, mental and physical well – being.
The pilates exercise will strengthen your body and make it optically slimmer. This exercise seems simple and easy at first glance, but the opposite is the truth. It activates muscles hidden deep inside the body in a very intense way – muscles you might never have really used before.
The method demands complete concentration and conscious coordination of movement, breathing and active participation of muscles in the powerhouse. It is based on repetition of a small number of exercises at exact intervals in a precise, controlled manner. This is why the trainees need guidance of a trained instructor (especially beginners)! If badly done, the exercise can not only be ineffective, but also have negative consequences for health. Be reasonable and don’t overestimate what you can do.
The pilates method training is highly individual. Exercise according to your on abilities, learn to understand your body. Never force your body to do anything if you feel tension or pain. If you have trouble with a specific exercise, pass it, you can start doing it when you are strong enough. On the other hand, try to be honest when exercising and exercise regularly. Only this way can you reap the fruits. Don’t expect the impossible now and don’t expect to be great after first lesson with an instructor.
Body & mind are the physical exercises which aim to promote development of a healthy and powerful body. They also support mental and emotional well being. On the other hand, effective mental relaxation techniques and meditation techniques also help to mitigate the negative physical influence of stress and depression, which are unavoidable in our civilization. The solution of such a situation depends not only on relaxation in the form of massages and simillar passive forms, but also on prevention of stress situations. Many similar exercises are already common practice – for example rehabilitation exercise after injuries or other situations with painful muscle chains. All these types of physical activities are meant as a therapy instead of prevention – unlike body & mind activities, which have exactly the preventive character that people lack.
Why should I train the slow forms?
The lessons are suitable for everyone without regard for age, sex or fitness. The exercise is a very effective way to prevent overworking of the motoric apparatus of the body – f.e. with back pain. It is also a great supplementary therapy for some smaller problems or as a compensation for some sports activities. The cornerstone is the activation of the deep muscle system that stabilizes the spine, deeper perception of one’s own body and breath control. They include:
- power yoga
- chi-toning
- pilates
- port de bras
- stretching exercise
