There are many ways to exercise, but the power of pilates is in a class all by itself.
You know those people who slide up and down on those slidey things? Moving back and forth. Rolling their limbs on these huge thick tubes and lifting their legs really high. Up and down, for a really long time. What the heck are they doing? You’ve probably heard about it, maybe even taken a class or two, but really, what is it?
It’s Pilates.
Get comfortable and read on – it’s so much more than you think; most importantly, what Pilates can do is hard to believe. It’s all about the power of pilates.
The history
First, let’s talk about history: Pilates was developed by a man named Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Joseph actually called his method Contrology, which is what it sounds like – the act of controlled movements. When practiced, Pilates can improve flexibility, build strength and develop control and endurance.
Athletes of all kinds have been practicing this form of exercise for years to aid in the performance of any sport and for overall health and muscle toning.
About the slidey thing that I mentioned earlier. That’s called a reformer and at first glance, it looks pretty intimidating so it’s safe to assume that only the elite athletes can practice Pilates. You know, the people who look like they exercise all day?
I am wrong on all accounts.
How does Pilates work?
Pilates puts very little pressure on joints and is ideal for anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, not fit or not flexible. You can begin at a certain level and then you gradually increase the exercises as you practice. The best part? You become stronger. And stronger. And Stronger.
Sign us up!
But here’s the kicker.
Back surgery. The idea of rolling, stretching, lifting any body part after it has been under the knife can make someone (like me, for instance) cringe and think that they are completely out of their minds.
I am wrong again.
The right teacher
Marnie Sugarman @masurgarm is a TV producer by day and Pilates instructor by night and this is what she thinks: “It’s so important to learn how to use and strengthen your “powerhouse” (fancy word for the core). Strengthening your midsection can only help boost your performance in any sport.”
I couldn’t agree more.
The unflappable client
Especially when you run into the challenge of Scoliosis, which is when your spine curves sideways just before puberty. In some cases, a brace is needed and in other cases, surgery is.
Meet Jaimie Hyman @jaimie_hyman01, who had Scoliosis surgery two years ago. How did she recover? Slowly but surely with lots of rest. Luckily, Jamie has two devoted and caring parents Cindy @cindyhyman19 and Scott Hyman that were by her side every step of the way. That recovery time was not an easy one.
Jaimie practiced Pilates before her surgery so that her body could be better prepared for the procedure. When she got the OK from her doctor after her surgery, she spent some time with Marnie in her “she-shed”, (Marnie’s official Pilates studio) where she started slowly and gently and then eventually progressed to where she is today.
“Every time I leave the studio, I feel stronger and I feel like I accomplished something. Every muscle in my body is worked and I feel fantastic… I don’t know if I would have recovered so well if I didn’t practice Pilates.” Jaimie shared with me.
Marnie recently posted on social media about Jaimie: “Sometimes we have clients who are our heroes and @jaimie_hyman01 is mine.”
Isn’t it amazing to appreciate and move our bodies and celebrate how far we have come today and what we can possibly do tomorrow? The power of pilates does not disappoint.
I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions for the Braves The Waves Journal, or for your own company, please be in touch.