The first of these we’ve already covered: the holistic approach, as highlighted by Ogle. There is a lot of emphasis on the core, and for good reason. However, that is only a section of the method. “Attention to core support and full-body fitness…provide a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere.” Another fantastic thing Joe borrowed from back east is required equipment. For mat work, you don’t need to bring a thing. Joe did, in addition to the method, create a contraption to assist in developing a stronger body, called The Reformer. Joe himself built the predecessor of the modern Reformer when he was held captive during the war. On pilates.com, it says Joe “rigged springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against resistance…”. If you’ve seen a modern wooden reformer, that’s kind of what it looks like. I’d think I’d be repeating myself if I listed the benefits off in my usual fashion; we covered a lot of them.
Barbara Russi Sarnataro gives a deeper look into the benefits, the core specifically. “Dan Westerhold says he sees a lot of clients with injuries or weakness of the postural muscles…”. Of course – and it’s more than likely from doing sedentary things like driving, television, and sitting in front of the computer…typing…an article…on pilates. I weaken my postural muscles for your benefit. No no, it takes more than this to weaken the core. However, even having awareness of how you sit at a desk, can encourage adjustments that will improve your posture without over-compensating. She does, however, give great insight into that mysterious flat ab theory. Can a machine do it? Possibly, depending on the machine and what you do to compliment the workout. Can Pilates do it? Possibly. But, according to her article, many associate that with losing weight – they are not synonymous. When paired with proper breathing, eating, and resting, pilates can be a great addition to getting those abs more attractive. It won’t do all the work for you, but it will provide you with such a great foundation (literally and figuratively), getting the flat abs will be cake.
Here are some other great benefits, provided by the U.S. Surgeon General! Pilates brings down the possibility of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Doing Pilates will help control your weight. Given the circumstances in Joe’s life, and the lives of those he affected during the flu outbreak, it would appear that Pilates could help boost the immune system. Best of all, it gives you awareness, control, and ultimately power over every part of your body that can be controlled. I know from personal experience that feeling that is better than noticing a few ripples in my midsection – since I know they’ll come eventually. If Pilates sounds like something you’d go for, empower yourself even more by searching for quality teachers who have been certified through a rigorous program. Unlike something with a lower impact like Tai Chi, improper use of Pilates does more harm than good.
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