Learn the Concepts of Metodo Pilates.

Pilates has created quite a stir for decades already. It has made celebrities, athletes, and commoners go ga-ga over it, as they all desire for sexier and lankier bodies.

Swiss balls and a Pilates mat have become gym and household necessities.

But the ever-genius man has sought more ways to make Pilates more contemporary and somehow suitable to the changing times.

With the help of science and technology, such as the application of biochemical principles and spinal research, this regimen is already laden with more advanced techniques. 

Metodo Pilates, or more popularly known as the Pilates method or control, is a fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates for over twenty years.

It is based on his belief that a sound mind constitutes a sound body.

This enabled him to survive his forced internment in Germany during World War I and allowed him to teach his fellow inmates his techniques that helped them get by the difficulties of the time.

Most of the exercises, carefully designed to enhance flexibility and improve strength, are usually performed on the floor with the use of mats. Furthermore, Josephs' innovative mind has also incorporated within these routines the use of various apparatus all conceptualized by Joseph himself.

But it was the principles that govern Pilates that makes it world-renowned.

The fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies, influences of Joseph, created the eight basic principles of the Pilates method.

These are the following:

• breathing
  
• concentration
  
• alignment
  
• control and precision
  
• relaxation
  
• centering
  
• integration
  
• fluidity

One of the essential procedures in any Pilates routine is proper breathing. This allows your body to ward off tension and to execute the exercise with maximum efficiency and power. Most of all, it helps you to focus. After all, you need to visualize how the following movements are interconnected, creating balance and interrelationship between the body and the mind. Concentration failure usually precedes the wrong use of muscles or misalignment.

Contrary to other popular exercises that encourage repetition, Pilates gives more emphasis on the techniques—quality over quantity (repetition). Thus, the actions are controlled, performed slow and precise. To attain this, you work at your strong cores: spine, abdomen, and pelvic regions. This helps your body attain balance and efficient function.

It was Josephs' aim not to inflict injury in your muscles and joints when performing Pilates, that is why his teachings encourage you to relax.

But despite of the benefits your body gets from Pilates, it wasn’t spared from a lot of criticisms and limitations. There are some who believe that the routines are not designed to meet the overall physical fitness discipline. For one, it seldom incorporates effective and comprehensive cardiovascular exercises. In addition, it is inefficient in building strength.

These might have stemmed from the fact that the techniques are of low impact and low power output.

As time rolls on, it will continue to help others in their dreams of becoming healthy and fit.