Winsor Pilates Workout

Pilates Class

March 2nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

This article that you are going to read about pilates is just an attempt on our part to make you aware of the fundamentals of pilates class.

Starting with a Pilates Class.

Pilates is an exercise program directed towards the attainment of increased body strength, balanced body features, greater endurance, and greater resistance to injuries. A good Pilates class will prove effectual in bringing about more balanced body movements without adding bulk of muscle to the body. A simple Pilates class will need only a floor mat and a Pilates instructor. However, more advanced classes include the use of complex exercise machines and individual instructions to the learners.

There is nothing like the final point in anything and when you are reading this article on pilates class you must have understood this very well. There is nothing like ultimate in any field and this article on pilates must have shown you that.

Beginning a Pilates Class.

When we decided on writing this article on pilates, we knew that we could provide our readers with something which would be different from what was being presented to them. And now when you are reading this article, you would have to decide on our success.

A floor mat is the first thing you will need in a Pilates class. Pilates mats are similar to Yoga mats but are thicker as some exercises involve rolling on one’s lower back. As a learner, it is preferable to use one’s own mat for convenience and health reasons.

Before a class, the learner should not take a heavy meal. A light meal should be taken an hour before the class begins in order to get sufficient energy for the activity. Since the exercises cause sweating, the learner can bring bottles of water.

The breathing technique taught in a Pilates class is different from that of other exercises. Breathing is usually through the nose and exhalation through the mouth but the instructor might advise differently, depending on the type of specific position. Breathing inhalations and exhalations are counted in a slow four (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000). To remind, breathing is not like the calm and tranquil breathing of Yoga. Keeping the abdomen tight and not allowing it to rise, the lungs are filled with a deep breath which is released, as instructed, through the mouth.

The clothing used in Pilates exercises is comfortable. The clothing should be such that the instructor can see the body’s shape, i.e. not too loose. Socks with grips on the bottom are preferable because they don’t slide out of feet during exercise. Traditional leotards and tights can be used.

Instructors may use practice aids like bars and inflatable balls. He/she may use his/her own equipment but it is better to own yours so that the exercises can be repeated anywhere.

For beginners, starting one’s own Pilates class with DVDs or other material is not of much help since most of the Pilates exercises need an instructor’s corrections and can be hard to master without a live instructor.

Now when you are reading this article about pilates class, a natural question arises. “Are you gaining something from reading this article?” And we would only be satisfied if your reply is in affirmative.

It is always recommended to consult your physician before setting your mind on starting with Pilates. Injuries and limited mobility are healed faster with certain Pilates exercises but an assessment of your health condition will determine whether or not you should go for Pilates.

This article was not meant to provide encyclopedic knowledge about pilates. What was intended was to provide you with enough knowledge about pilates.

Datebook
Toastmasters: Greater Scranton Roaring Ramblers meetings, today and March 1, 6:30 p.m., Ryon Room, Abington Community Library, 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit, 586-8268.

DATEBOOK
Elder Care Fair: sponsored by the Public Relations Students Society of America, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Nazareth Hall Student Center, Marywood University.