Pilates primer
a P
ronounced - puh lat’ tes—with the accent on the center syllable—Pilates is a method of total body conditioning. This method is a unique system of strengthening and
stretching exercises that was developed over 90 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. The central focus is on strengthening the core muscles of the abdominals and lower back. The body is worked as one integrated unit by challenging the muscles to simultaneously strengthen, lengthen, stabilize and balance. As with other forms of mind/body disciplines such as Yoga and Tai Chi, Pilates emphasizes the breath to connect and flow the movements. Pilates exercises can be done one of two ways: on a re-
former machine that utilizes resistance from pulleys or on a mat that utilizes gravity as resistance. The latter is more com- monly offered and taught because the end result is the same but appeals to a larger audience without the expense of the reformer machines to the studio or to the student. Both should be experienced to discover the approach that best suits the needs of your body. For those who were brought up in the ‘no pain, no gain’
mentality that led to spending too much of our precious time at a gym, Pilates exercises can maximize the results achieved from this full body workout—all in a one hour class! The Pilates mat class teaches us that the body is the finest and only tool necessary for achieving physical fitness. Pilates has proven over the decades to balance the body,
improve endurance, strengthen all the muscles, reduce stress, enhance posture and empower one’s spirit. There is a lot of carry-over between Yoga and Pilates and the two disciplines serve to compliment each other. Pilates helps to develop the strength needed in your Yoga classes and Yoga helps to develop the balance and flexibility needed in your Pilates classes. Both combine to give one the ultimate in total body fitness and stress reduction.
Ann Hardee has been teaching Pilates and Yoga classes for over 10 years in Greensboro. Ann is also a full time Realtor with Allen Tate Realtors and uses her training and expertise in Mind/Body instruction to insure a stress free experience in your real estate transactions. She can be reached at 327-8440 or
ann.hardee@allentate.com. See ad on page 16.
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