What is Classical Pilates?

Pilates, a widely popular exercise method today, boasts a rich history rooted in the visionary work of its founder, Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates, born with a series of health challenges and his personal struggles became the catalyst for the development of the Pilates method. Facing conditions like asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever from an early age, he was determined to find a way to improve his physical condition.

Pilates' commitment to improving his health led him to create a method that focused on core strength, flexibility, and endurance. He shared his wisdom with devoted students known as the "elders," who remained loyal to his techniques. After his passing, the method was named after him, becoming the Pilates we know today.

Core Principles:

Central to Pilates is a sequence of 34 exercises described in Pilates' book, "Return to Life through Contrology". These exercises aim to work out all movements of the spine while simultaneously developing breathing, strength, flexibility, and endurance. The hallmark of Pilates exercises is their smooth transition, creating a flowing rhythm that integrates breathing and movement without interruption.

Unlike traditional fitness approaches, Pilates does not rely on additional weights. Instead, it strengthens the body by creating resistance through gravity. To facilitate the full Pilates workout, Joseph Pilates designed special equipment known as "Pilates Apparatus," which can be divided into two main groups:

• Spring Equipment:
This category includes the Reformer, one of Joseph Pilates' most famous inventions.

• Correction Equipment:
It encompasses various apparatus like the Barrel, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector.

Pilates Classes:

Individuals can engage in Pilates through various avenues, including group classes, personal training with an instructor, or even practicing at home using video instructions. For beginners, it is advisable to start with personal training, especially when using Pilates apparatus. .

A typical Pilates class lasts for about an hour. Beginners often spend most of the session on a mat or one of the Pilates devices. Classes generally begin with breathing exercises, followed by low-amplitude movements. Towards the end, participants progress to complex coordination and strength exercises. Each class concludes with a standing alignment exercise to help the body adapt to new sensations..

As individuals advance in their Pilates practice, more exercises are performed in an upright position to train the nervous system for real-life movements..

Key Principles for Pilates Practitioners:

• Correct Breathing:
Focus on chest breathing, expanding the chest during inhalation and contracting muscles during exhalation.
• Core Engagement:
Maintain constant tension in the abdominal muscles throughout exercises.
• Proper Starting Position:
Ensure correct initial posture before beginning each exercise to prevent injury.
• Shoulder Position:
Keep shoulders lowered during exercises for proper breathing.
• Head and Spine Alignment:
Maintain a straight head position, avoiding excessive tilting or chin tucking.
• Spinal Stretch:
Work on elongating the spine during exercises to improve flexibility.

Joseph Pilates recommended exercising 5-7 times a week for experienced practitioners. Beginners, however, should start with three workouts per week to gradually acclimate their bodies to regular exercise without overwhelming stress.

The optimal duration for a Pilates session is 40-50 minutes. It's essential to complete the entire workout without resting between exercises, as this maintains the flow and effectiveness of the routine.