What is Pilates? Is it Yoga? Aerobics? Fitness? Exercise?

In this video a dancer named Heather, who has also been doing Pilates for several years talks all about Pilates. She starts off by noting that Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates who called it controllogy. This technique uses the mind to control the muscles since every move is very precise and controlled. According to Heather pilates relates to yoga "in its breathing, movement, centering, concentration, control and precision". It helps to build flexibility and lengtens your muscles and spine. Pilates increases blood flow by releasing wastes in the blood cells and therefore detoxyfying the body. One thing that sets pilates apart from yoga is its way of breathing. Also setting it apart from other exercises Pilates does not use any weights so the body is lengthened rather than bulked up. Instead of focusing on the main muscle groups it works the smaller less worked muscles of the body. This is what makes Pilates work and lengthen the spine and body.

I really liked this video and thought it was very helpful. I felt the girl knew what she was talking about and didnt include any useless information. The girl covered alot about Pilates from its history to how it works. I had never heard of it actually detoxyfying the body and thought that was a really good benefit. The way she explained how it accomplished that by waking up the muscles and giving them more oxygen made sense. I think the fact that Pilates doesnt use any actual weights makes it easier and more convenient for everyone.

"What is Pilates? Is it Yoga? Aerobics? Fitness? Exercise?." youtube. Web. 17 May 2010. .

What is Pilates?

I read an article on the pilates method alliance website that describes exactly what pilates is and what it does. According to this article pilates basically stretches, strengthens and balances your body. Pilates also focuses on your breathing patterns as you exercise. People choose this method of exercise because of its non vigorous routines and ability to train without necessarily getting short of breath and sweaty. Coordination of the mind and muscles are a key factor in this form of exercise. There are many benifits that are what make Pilates so special. It is said in the article that actual lung capacity may be increased, back and abdominal muscles may gain strength and flexibility and posture and core strength may also be achieved.

I can see why many people would choose to use Pilates as their exercising. I think that so many people today try to find what ever is simplest for them while getting as much out of a program as they can. Since Pilates doesnt require alot of sweating and wearing out this would probably be the most appealing exercise to anyone. I'm not sure if it in fact works better than yoga but the benefits of this program seem worth it.

http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/what_is_pilates.html

Which One Should You Do?

In an article out of “American College of Sports Medicine” it talks about whether you should do yoga or Pilates. According to the website both are “the dynamic duo of the fitness world right now”. However the choice of which program is better depends on each individual. It’s all about which one might appeal to you. For instance yoga is more free and put together in a looser way with no intentions about order. However Pilates is more ordered and each little exercise is performed in reps. The article also describes how different personality types may cause an individual to be pulled towards one program or the other. Those who are more mellow usually go with the yoga for example.

I thought the article would tell which program worked the best but it instead just said that it basically all depends on the person. I do sort of agree with that statement. Although I wish it was clearer exactly which one is better, I do understand now that both are different. I think theres probably a something in each program that will draw someone to it.


http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/women/a/YogaPilates.htm