Pilates Monterey

Pilates can help with Weight Loss

While body composition, cardiovascular health and glucose management (as it relates to Pilates) have not been studied, we know from practical experience that Pilates can have positive effects on quality of life, mood and self-confidence. We can also look at the research that does exist and draw some parallels.

Aliesa George, president of Centerworks Pilates Institute in Wichita, Kansas, asserts in a WebMD article that while Pilates is not designed for weight loss, that outcome is often a by-product. “Getting that mental focus to pay attention to what’s going on with the body helps you to get in touch from the inside out,” George says. “Once you get control of the body, and of finding the right muscles to put the body into the positions, you realize you can control other things in life” (Sarnataro 2007).

Pilates burns approximately 4.0–7.5 kilocalories per minute (Olson & Smith 2005). While performing Pilates does not lead to a significant caloric expenditure, many obese Pilates clients do lose weight. This may occur as a result of heightened body awareness and a new ability to listen to one’s body and let that voice be the authentic guide when it comes to good nutrition and movement.

While the goal would be to increase activity level over a period of time, Pilates could be viewed as a gateway to a more active lifestyle.

Improved orthopedic health is another benefit that a Pilates program offers to the overweight individual. Without proper orthopedic health, the client may be unable to progress to cardiovascular work. Many Pilates exercises are similar to those designed by physical therapists for rehabilitating people with low-back problems. A study of 22 adults conducted at Florida Atlantic University found that a 12-week Pilates program reduced back pain (Graves et al. 2005).

More studies need to be conducted before strong claims can be made regarding the role of Pilates in promoting back health. This issue is a particular concern for the overweight client with anterior pelvic tilt. It is important to note, however, that with large amounts of adipose tissue, especially around the torso and pelvis, locating neutral pelvis is challenging (but possible). [Editor’s Note: See “Mind-Body Research Update” by Ralph La Forge, MS, in this issue for more on Pilates and back pain.]

( Article written by Rochelle Rice, MA )

Do you think you're too old? Think Again!

Pilates is a perfect form of exercise for older adults because it is low impact compared to other forms of exercise, which means it is not as severe on the joints as most workouts. It focuses on breathing and quality-controlled movements, not repetitions.

Conventional workouts focus on how many repetitions you can do and how much weight you can lift, which tends to build short, bulky muscles, which are more prone to injury - especially in older adults.

Pilates works the "Core", elongates and strengthens the muscles at the same time, which, in turn, improves joint mobility and elasticity. In effect it is a kinder and gentler way to exercise for the older adult who doesn't need to be beaten down.

Using Pilates for Injury Rehabilitation

Pilates, with its focus on core strength and flexibility, is an excellent method of rehabilitating injured athletes. Pilates has several advantages over other forms of exercise when recovering from injury.

( Article written by Steven M. Cohen )

Already fit? Great! Use Pilates for Maintenance

• Self awareness – Knowing how your body feels and responds to its need
to move.
• Improved focus – Greater focus mentally and physically will allow for optimal athletic performance.
• Deep strength, not superficial – Working muscles deep in your body feels
completely different to any gym work you do.
• Improves other athletic skills – Improves balance and coordination for running, golf, cycling etc. by releasing tightness.
• Improves overall health – Fresh oxygenated blood supply improves the health of all tissues.

( Article written by:  Kerri Lee Brown)

Think you're too young? Think again!

Knowing how to position the body and move adeptly works to your child's advantage on the soccer field or on the tennis court. These abilities don't just boost your child's game, they also lower the risk of sports injuries. And according to its practitioners, there is no better proactive way to develop children's awareness of body mechanics than through the practice of Pilates.

Pilates comprises a range of over 500 low-impact exercises that can be done as a mat workout or with the aid of specially devised machines. The exercises strengthen the body's center — the muscles around the abdominal, lower back, and hip areas, collectively referred to as the "powerhouse" in Pilates parlance. A fundamental technique is to work from the powerhouse region while performing a series of leg and arm movements. Minimal force is used; rather than holding a pose as you would in yoga, the body is kept properly aligned while going through the moves precisely and smoothly. Mental concentration and breathing rhythms are incorporated.

( Article written by:  Archana Khambekar )