Diet & Fitness 

Advertisement

The scoop on Pilates

What is Pilates? An exercise technique that was invented for injured dancers nearly a century ago by ex-carpenter and gymnast Joseph Pilates. There are two ways to practise Pilates (pronounced pih-LAH-tees). You can join a mat-based group class where you'll do specialised calisthenics exercises, or you can take private lessons on a series of specially designed machines with exotic names such as the Cadillac and the Reformer. Whether you take the mat class or use the machines, all Pilates moves are designed to work your powerhouse muscles — abs, lower back, thighs, and buttocks — and to gently lengthen them. The result is a body that is properly aligned and at less risk for injury. Not to mention, practising such exercises on a regular basis can help you move more freely and gracefully.

Why we love it: Pilates increases strength, flexibility and endurance. It also improves posture, alignment, co-ordination and balance without bulking up your muscles. In Pilates, nothing is forced. You emphasise correct form rather than going for the burn.

Drawbacks: It can be expensive. Private lessons will set you back £22 to £75 a session depending on where you live. By comparison, mat classes are a bargain, running £8 to £20 a class, again, depending on the instructor or part of the country you're in. Check out whether your gym offers classes to members at no additional charge or private instruction at a discount. And be aware that if you like to master things quickly, this may not be the workout for you. Like dance, yoga and martial arts, learning Pilates is a long-term, evolutionary process.

Insider information: It doesn't have to be called Pilates to be Pilates. Because of trademark issues, many instructors have chosen to rename their workouts even though the basic elements remain the same. One such Pilates-inspired workout you can get on video is Stott Core Conditioning: Essential Matwork with Moira Stott. You can order it on www.stottconditioning.com or by calling 0800-328-5676.

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon

  Get the latest iVillage news on your desktop    Sign up for more iVillage RSS feeds

© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB