What is pilates?

Question

Is it like yoga? I'm a Jehovas Witness so I don't want anything like yoga(you know the whole relaxation on a higher plane or w/e stuff). Is it just exercise, or does it have that relax, clear your mind stuff too? Mainly what is it all about? Thank you!

Answer 1

Pilates and yoga are actually very different disciplines, although a glut of gym instructors who have taken weekend certifications in both as well as a number of certified Pilates and yoga instructors who practice both disciplines have helped create a confusion between the two.

Despite popular belief, Pilates is NOT based on yoga. Joseph Pilates drew from many different exercise systems, many of whom happened to share or even, in a few cases, be inspired by exercises also found in yoga. Pilates is, in comparison to yoga, a "young" discipline, having been developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century as a means to rehabilitate others and himself.
The Pilates repertoire includes series of exercises done without equipment (the matwork) as well as various series done on numerous types of equipment, including the reformer machine. The premise of Pilates is that all movement is initiated from the powerhouse or core, that is, from your abdominals and lower back. Thus, strengthening those muscles affects the entire way you move. With regular practice of Pilates, you will gain strength and flexibility throughout your body, but most likely the majority of the improvement will be at your center rather than in your limbs, if that makes sense.

Certain Pilates programs will give you certainly a workout without the Eastern religious pedigree. That said, Pilates does stress a connection between the mind and body; in other words, you will be asked to be mindful and conscientious in your practice. However, that does not translate into the spiritual connection that underlines yoga. A good Pilates workout will leave you energized yet relaxed, but you should feel in tune with your mind and body rather than feeling that you've had a mystical experience.
There are many types of Pilates currently out there. A few people, including Romana K and Classical Pilates, do only "pure" Pilates, as taught by the discipline's founder, while others, like Stott Pilates, Winsor Pilates, and others tweak the exercises and sequences based on the personal experiences, preferences, influences, and knowledge. They vary slightly in their focus, pace, and sometimes even form, although all ultimately derive from the same set of exercises. Most likely the Pilates classes that you find at your local gym will be entirely focused on the workout portions, whereas a Pilates class taught by someone at a yoga studio would likely be more interested in the mind-body connection.

For additional information on yoga, Pilates, and fusion videos that you can do at home, I highly recommend CollageVideo.com, where you can see previews of the videos they have in stock and read customer reviews; VideoFitness.com, where you can read consumer reviews of a ton of videos and ask questions on their forum; and YourExerciseDVDs.com, where you can read professional reviews of a number of videos.

Pilates is a toning or strengthening exercise. You are working your muscles, increasing strength. Although you do burn calories while doing Pilates, you do not burn as much as you do, say, running or even walking. Additionally, you are not working your heart strong enough for it to count as cardio. That said, by toning your muscles you are doing good things not only for your health and ability to live life to the fullest but you are also ensuring that when you do lose weight you will have shapely muscles that will help you look and feel even better. In addition, Pilates will aid flexibility, an often neglected part of fitness programs.

I find that with regular Pilates practice (2-5x/week, depending upon the type of Pilates I do and my current exercise regimen), my pants fit more loosely, but I personally don't lose weight with Pilates alone. I do see results, however, albeit subtle ones.
Joseph Pilates said that in 10 session you will feel a difference, in 20 you will see a difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body. For the most part I found that true, although no one can escape their genetic destiny in terms of body type. That said, I moved in a different way and saw my body differently, so in that sense I did have a whole new body.
Most importantly, as a result of my regular Pilates practice my core (abs and lower back) are so much stronger. I have better posture, and I have less lower back pain and even tension. Pilates helps me train the muscles that pull in my tummy, acting like a natural "control-top" or girdle. I've seen some increases in flexibility, too. And Pilates has helped me gain confidence in my body.

Answer 2

The option among Yoga and Pilates will depend on what you're watching for. If you desire an pastime that improves flexibility at the same time firming your muscle tissues - particularly the ones abs - then Pilates is most commonly your greater option. If you desire to pay attention somewhat extra on flexibility and rather less on firming (maybe you are getting your force coaching in different places), and you're additionally shopping for whatever that is helping lessen pressure and offers you an possibility for a few quiet time, then you definitely will have to take a look at Yoga. If you will have robust devout convictions, you may additionally be greater off with Pilates, even though many Yoga categories this present day present very little philosophy and are appropriate for all devout persuasions. Either option is well - you are editing your frame's wellness in some way no different variety of pastime can accomplish.

Answer 3

It is the same as yoga, but you don't meditate, like yoga. Its the same exercise at faster pace and and do hold the positions and let your mind draft. Its perfect for your religion. I am a Christian. Completely different but I'm in the same boat where i don't want to be all openly spiritual in that way when i exercise. I love pilates. Its a really fast and easy (nottoo easy) way to look toned at any weight. It also takes your mind of the work since you ARE NOT holding the position for a million hours :)

Answer 4

It is an exercise program invented by joseph pilates to strengthen internal core muscles. kind of like a cross between abs crunches and yoga. it does not have any religious overtones like yoga might seem to have to you. try pilates. you can probably find a teacher that doesn't use relax clear your mind kind of talk.

Answer 5

Pilates are just excercises that use special stretches and machines. Pilates emphasizes on flexability and overall strength. It teaches breathing techniques, and it is used to use your mind to control this muscles.

You can read more on it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

Answer 6

He's the guy who arrested Jesus.

Answer 7

Chinese pirates