Physical Fitness System

 

The Method Pilates

Pilates (/pɪˈlɑːteɪz/;[1] German: [piˈlaːtəs]) is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is practiced worldwide, and especially in western countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. There are over 11 million people practicing this artistic discipline regularly and 14,000 of them are instructors in the United States, and I was one of them.

Joseph Pilates presents his method as the art of controlled movements, which should look and feel like a workout (not a therapy) when properly manifested. Joseph was physically fit, but was so intrigued by dancers that he designed a unique system of movements that were developed on the floor as well as by Pilate reformers. Joseph believed after great observation that if dancers practiced with his unique style of discipline and consistency, his Method would significantly improve flexibility, strength, control and endurance throughout their entire bodies. Joseph's innovative strategy is to apply emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing strong core muscles, and greatly improving coordination and balance. The Pilates System or (The Method) allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced or to any other level of conditioning. In terms of the instructor, teacher or practitioner specific goals and limitations of Intensity can be increased over time as the body conditions and adapts to the exercises.

Pilates helps to condition the abdominal muscles of healthy people to help alleviate lower back pain and the breathing technique helps relieve stress, tension and anxiety. However if you have existing problems within the cervical, thoracic and lumber aspects of your neck and back then modification with your head and spine alignment must be considered when practicing all styles of Pilates.

I taught "The Method Pilates Mat Science." which is technically the Joseph Pilates method for classically trained dancers. The (Matte Science) aspect is using a set of designed movements that are performed specifically on the floor. The only way this is acheived correctly is either by a trained dancer or former dancer, dance choreographer, or dance teacher. 
Anyone can receive certification in Pilates but to teach (The Method) you must formally go through those four channels in order to properly teach it.

To add to your diverse exercise program if you can find a professional teacher/instructor who can teach The Method Pilates then your in luck!

Why choose The Method Matt Science over regular Pilates, and is there a difference? All Pilates is taught with the derivative of Joseph Pilates Method. Like specific words are a derivative of Latin, other Pilates styles are as they say spin offs or the original Method System. With The Method Mat Science all exercises are performed on the floor with constant flowing movements that progress from one movement to another in perpetual motion as if you were dancing. The Method is designed to contour your body creating long lean muscles. The use of extension, elongating, lengthening and stretching withing the movements creates this long lean look. Flexibility, perfect form within the exercise, excellent posture, and focus are key components in practicing The Method. 
It is important to understand that Pilates in general is very different then Yoga. To practice both of these art forms plus adding aerobics and muscle conditioning to your exercise program is really ideal. This would be referred to as cross training on all levels, nurturing your mind, body and spirit.

When talking about fitness and getting into shape the knowledge I can share with you is this, when you decide to take on any exercise program learn from the best, seek proper guidance by a certified and professional personal trainer, and decide what body type you have and what kind of look you want for your body. This is extremely important, because there are several techniques out there that can shape your body in many different ways. A perfect example is to study professional athletes and dancers. Observe at what they specialize in, for what you see is what you get. 
First take into consideration your body type, second understand the desired look your body can achieve, and last accept the commitment to the way in which you must train...

This is a photo taken of me at a fitness convention in Cape Cod MA US a few years ago. This is an example of The Method training for the desired long and lean look...