HEALTH & FITNESS
staying young
The Power Of Pilates
A
s a Pilates instructor, I am often
asked, "What is Pilates?" People
want to know if Pilates can ben-
efit them. They are curious about how this
method works and what the strange-look-
ing equipment is for.
Pilates is a precise system of sequenced
exercises performed on a mat or specially
designed equipment. This method was
created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th
century. Pilates is a whole-body workout
but emphasizes core strength. The core
includes the abdominals, low back, hips
and buttocks.
Pilates emphasizes the mind-body con-
nection and incorporates the concepts of
breath, efficiency of movement, control
and balance into all of its exercises. The
many benefits of Pilates include strength,
flexibility, improved posture and increased
circulation. Pilates is non-impact and
therefore gentle on the joints.
Pilates is performed in both mat classes
and private-equipment set-
tings. Mat classes strengthen the
core and balance the muscles
through the use of gravity and
the individual's body weight.
Equipment training allows for
a greater range of exercises
and more strengthening of the
peripheral muscles. Both types
of training involve the use of
precise movement, attention to
breath and body awareness.
I fell in love with Pilates after
the birth of my second child. My
abdominal muscles felt non-existent and
my back ached from the strain of carry-
ing both my baby and overflowing diaper
bag. I started working out in the studio at
Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield and
then added mat classes to my program.
Quickly, I saw my posture improve as my
abdominal muscles strengthened and my
back pain dissipated.
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However, the biggest benefit
I noticed was the body aware-
ness that I gained. I recognized
that even outside of the studio
I was applying Pilates prin-
ciples to everyday life. As I
unloaded groceries or picked
up my kids, I was remember-
ing to "engage my core I real-
ized that I wanted to pass these
benefits on to others and so I
enrolled in the Intensive Stott
Pilates instructor training pro-
gram at Equilibrium Studio in
Bloomfield Township.
Pilates can be beneficial for everybody,
whether practiced on its own or as an
adjunct to other exercise programs. Pilates
is embraced by dancers, professional ath-
letes and rehabilitation patients. Pilates
equipment training is generally offered on
a private, duet or small-group basis.
I generally recommend beginning with
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at least one private session as an introduc-
tion to this method. A studio will usually
include several types of apparatus. For
example, at Franklin Athletic Club, our
studio includes six reformer/cadillacs as
well as three stability chairs and a ladder
barrel. We have a variety of small equip-
ment for use in both our mat and equip-
ment settings.
When beginning a Pilates program,
make sure to find a well-trained profes-
sional. Proper instruction and quality
equipment are essential to the success of
training. If your goals are longer, leaner
muscles and improved mind-body aware-
ness, then Pilates may be the training pro-
gram you have been looking for! ❑
Aly Jaffe of West Bloomfield is a group fit-
ness instructor, Pilates instructor and personal
trainer at Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield
(248-352-8000, ext. 408). Her e-mail address
is alyjaffe@comcast.net.