Massage therapy at its best addresses the entire body to achieve optimal functioning, health,and well-being. However, even the best massage therapists cannot achieve these goals alone, it takes active involvement of the client too. One great way that a client can help keep his/her body in balance and achieve optimal strength and function is active participation in Pilates. Here is a brief description of Pilates as written by Maggie Downie, owner of Personal Euphoria Pilates, an expert in the field and a trusted colleague in health. Please visit her website www.PilatesCT.com for more information.
The Pilates Method was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Joseph was born in Germany and believed that poor posture and improper breathing techniques were the cause of many illnesses, from chronic back pain to asthma.
Therefore, he created the Pilates Method which focused on strengthening the core muscles of the body (the stomach, back, and butt) in order to support the spine. By increasing flexibility of the body's extremities (the arms and legs), the Pilates Method creates long, loose, limber limbs. The best analogy of the Pilates Method is to imagine the body is a tree. Both require a strong supportive trunk with limbs that can be tossed around by the wind and remain strong, flexible, balanced, and stable.
The focused breath pattern enables practitioners to enhance all their exercises and develop better breathing skills.
Joseph originally developed the method for WWI soldiers (and called it Contrology) but continued to alter the exercises to help increase the strength and flexibility of boxers and NYC dancers. His work with the soldiers makes Pilates a potentially great exercise option for anyone recuperating from a physical injury. However, doctors should always play a role in an individual's decision to begin a new exercise regime.
One of the many things I love about Pilates is that anyone can do it. The fittest athlete can do Pilates and be extremely challenged and individuals recovering from various surgeries can also do Pilates—the exercises are that varied and can be modified to fit nearly everyone’s needs.
Maggie Downie
Personal Euphoria Pilates
personaleuphoria@cox.net
www.PilatesCT.com
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