Change your life—and reinvigorate your mind—through Pilates
BY CARA HAZELTON
Photography by Chris Griffiths
Nearly 100 years ago, Joseph H. Pilates developed the Pilates method of body conditioning, which has been passed down to us through three generations of instructors. He developed this unique method of body conditioning as a means to strengthen and tone the muscles, improve posture, provide flexibility and balance, unite body and mind, and creates a more streamlined shape. While many portray it as a complicated routine created for only those who are flexible, this is simply not the case.
As a third generation Pilates instructor, I believe that every person can benefit from this practice. The beauty of Pilates is that it works with every student’s individual needs, working toward the ultimate goal of restoring the body to its original healthful condition.
BE WARY OF COPYCATS
Over the years, Pilates has become an extremely popular form of exercise. However, with this popularity has come a potential for the dilution of the method. Now, there are many schools that are ‘Pilates-based’ and ‘Pilates-inspired’ rather than genuine Pilates. This can create confusion for those seeking authentic Pilates results. The original method, the one created by Joseph Pilates, is often titled ‘Classical’, ‘Traditional’ or ‘Authentic’.
Simply put, there is more to teaching this method than knowing the exercises. Most Classical instructors know their lineage and share the method as it has been handed down. Authentic Pilates is the practice in its truest form, but as other Pilates-inspired methods have emerged, the original one is now much harder to come by.
TAKE THE PLUNGE
If you’re looking to practice Pilates, you must be discerning when it comes to finding the right teacher. While teachers and studios seem to be everywhere nowadays, they’re not created equally.
After finding a teacher with the qualifications you’re looking for, the next step is to decide what type of classes you will participate in. In today’s Pilates studios, various forms of classes are offered, from group classes to small sessions to private lessons. In Joe Pilates’ original Manhattan studio, students were instructed individually, concentrating on their own specific needs. However, over the years, group classes were introduced as a less expensive entry point for those wanting to see what Pilates is all about. At my studio, I still prefer private lessons or small group classes. That way, I can focus on my students’ individual movements and make sure they are getting the most out of every session.
Moreover, your teacher should be willing and able to collaborate with others on your health-care team, be it your Chiropractor, Doctor, Physiotherapist, Massage Therapist or Athletic Coach. They should all work toward the common goal of improving your health.
REAP THE BENEFITS
As a whole, Pilates comes with a plethora of benefits. Its movements will help you to strengthen your core, become more flexible, and create an evenly conditioned body. It also doesn’t take a toll on your body the way other workouts can: it’s gentle (but not easy!), with most pilates exercises classified as low impact and partially weight bearing. Additionally, it emphasizes proper breathing and the slow, flowing movement of the body, allowing you to become more in tune with yourself.
At my studio, Precision Pilates, we believe strongly in the method of Joe Pilates—his method yields results. My team and I believe that our purpose is to help our students become stronger, healthier and happier people.
Many years ago, Joe Pilates said, “change happens through movement and movement heals.” This statement still holds true: I have seen firsthand the amazing results, strength and confidence this practice produces. Pilates is for everybody, and I hope that you will give this wonderful method the chance to change your life.
TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!
Want to give Pilates an at-home trial run? Try these simple yet effective moves.
Exercise 1: Double Leg Pull. 6-10 repetitions
Purpose: Stretches the front and back body while strengthening the abdominals and creating stability in the pelvis and torso.
Step 1: Laying on your back, bring your knees into your chest with your hands holding your ankles and lift your head so you are looking into your belly. Press your tail downward into the mat so that it doesn’t curl up.
Step 2: Keeping your torso anchored to the mat, Inhale to stretch your arms out to the height of your ears, and your legs out in front of you. Make sure your spine and hips do not move when your arms and legs do!
Step 3: Exhale to sweep your arms by your sides and bring your knees back to your chest.
Tips: You can make this exercise more or less challenging by changing the height of your legs when they go out.
Exercise 2: Spine Stretch. 5 repetitions
Purpose: Stretches the entire back of the body, strengthens the abdominals, teaches excellent sitting posture
Step 1 : Sit tall, legs spread to slightly wider than shoulder width. Keep your heels on the floor. *If your hamstrings are too tight to sit up tall, bend your knees as needed.
Step 2: Inhale, press the back of your legs down into the floor, fingertips on the floor between your legs with your arms straight. Press down in the fingers as you grow tall through your spine and the top of your head. Imagine being able to gain space between every vertebra.
Step 3: Fingers pressed into the floor, exhale to slide along towards your feet as you continue to pull your stomach and spine backwards. This opposition will stretch your spine.
Tips: Keep lifting your low abdominals and belly up and away from your thighs to ensure you to not collapse or hang over your legs. Imagine pulling spring as long as it will go before you bend it!
Exercise 3: Thigh Stretch. 5 repetitions
Purpose: Stretch thighs & hips while strengthening the tush and hamstrings. This targets all major lower body muscles!
Step 1: Kneeling in an upright position, arms stretched forward at shoulder height, look down toward your knees.
Step 2: Keeping your body straight, like a steel rod (do not arch your back!), lengthen back from the knees to stretch the hips and thighs. Make sure your tush is squeezing and pressing forward even as you lean back. Return to upright with control.
Tips: Really use your tush to get more stretch from this movement. When you return to upright, try to come up so far forward that you feel as though you might fall. Doing this will engage your hamstrings and allow for a better position.
ABOUT CARA HAZELTON:
ABOUT CARA HAZELTON:
Cara Hazelton is a third-generation instructor of Pilates who studied under second-generation instructors, as well as learned from elder Jay Grimes. After learning the ins and outs of Pilates, Cara opened her own studio, Precision Pilates, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and started Authentic Pilates Canada, a classical teacher training apprenticeship program. Now, she spreads the love of the Pilates method and healthy living to both the clients in her studios and the teachers that she trains. www.frederictonpilates.com info@frederictonpilates.com
