Pilates: creating a lean, toned body
Kelsey McQueary
Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Lifestyles
|
The founder originally started these series of workouts to help rehabilitate bedridden soldiers in World War I, according to Kidshealth.org, but now the fitness system is used to tone bodies and promote agility.
There are two kinds of Pilates - one type is machine-based and the other involves the participant using a floor mat.
An instructor at the HPER said she is trained in both mat and machine Pilates and that both require intensive training sessions.
Pilates is a good workout for both athletes and dancers. The workout is designed to help the participant be light on his feet, and it also is great for balance, two factors important to athletes and dancers.
"I've been doing (Pilates) since high school," said Allison Chinn, a UA junior. "I was a swimmer, and our coach told us to have no body fat, and Pilates helps with toning."
Pilates is mostly core work, meaning that it balances the development of the deep and superficial muscles that stabilize, align and move the trunk of the body, especially the abdominals and muscles of the back.
"Pilates works out your entire core and every part of your stomach and upper and lower abs," Chinn said.
The HPER Pilates instructor said she works with baseball and football teams to help improve their strength and flexibility.
Dancers and gymnasts also use Pilates to smooth out bulky muscles. Pilates was incorporated into the training of gymnasts because of their large muscle tones, and the fitness system helped lengthened and toned their muscles.
The work out is efficient because it works every part of the body. Other then the core work, there are a series of leg workouts, arm workout and back workouts.
"I started Pilates because I wanted to mix something different into my regular workout," said senior Shannon Sanders.
Pilates classes offered at the HPER use different tools and equipment, including thigh masters, bands and weight balls.
"I enjoy how we use different tools with rings," said senior Holly Minard said. "A lot of the tools are unique because you would never imagine using any of these things in everyday workouts."
Even in the machine Pilates classes make use of many distinctive tools, such as the Cadillac/Trapeze table, the reformer, ladder barrel, the Pilates Combo Chair and the Spine Corrector/Clara Barrel. Many different workout moves can be performed on each tool or piece of equipment.
Pilates can be very beneficial if practiced several times a week for three months or more. It provides both cardio and strength training.
Pilates classes are offered at the HPER on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call 479-575-4646.
Be the first to comment on this story