During the last several years, an exercise program proving to be increasingly popular is Pilates. Its main focus is on the core postural muscle groups that aid in maintaining the balance of the body. These groups are essential in supporting the spine.

If you happen to opt for Pilates as your exercise regimen, you will discover that it instructs you in becoming aware of the spine's neutral alignment. It will also direct your focus on adding strength to the deep postural muscles that will assist in sustaining this alignment. These muscles are of vital importance in helping you to relieve and prevent pain in the back.

The Pilates Exercise Program

The developer of the Pilates exercise system was Joseph Pilates. This system had been designed in the early 1900’s not only for improvement of his own health but also that of other World War I soldiers who were hospitalized. Later, Pilates made used the resistance of springs in his rehabilitation regimens for hospitalized patients. He then incorporated the use of springs into machines. Now the special equipment Joseph Pilates designed is being used in the Pilates exercise system.

When it first surfaced, the Pilates exercise program was mainly utilized by professional dancers. They had an appreciation for the improvement it added to strength, balance, and flexibility. With the rediscovery of Pilates in the 1980s, it has become a form of exercise that is quite popular.

Pilates Machines

The resistance of springs is used in Pilates machines to create more effort. The primary piece of the Pilates machine is called the Reformer. This is a sliding platform that is anchored at one end of the frame with springs. You are able to move the platform either by a push off from the stationary bar or by a pull on the ropes. When you do Pilates exercises with the Reformer, they become quite challenging because you must move the platform but at the same time maintain your balance on a surface that moves. This is a true balancing act!

The Cadillac is what another Pilates machine is called. It is comprised of a platform with padding that has a frame similar to a cage above it. Hanging from this frame are several bars or straps that are attached by springs.

The Wunda Chair is yet another Pilates machine. Its composition is just a bench-like platform that is small with a bar attached by springs. The Pilates exercises can be done from a standing position on the floor, lying down, or sitting or standing on the bench and pushing on the bar. You will likely see a number of different Pilates machines if you go to a studio devoted to Pilates exercise.

Mat Exercises

Group classes are where mat exercises are normally taught. Strengthening the trunk and hip muscles are the primary focus of mat exercises. This also increases spine and hip flexibility. Compared to Pilates machines, mat exercises have more limitations.

Recently, it appears as though Pilates have merged with other techniques, such as with the use of the exercise ball or yoga. This gives more creativity while one integrates the principles of Pilates into a larger number of mat exercises.