Have you ever heard of Pilates? Most likely you have, along with millions of other fitness enthusiasts across the nation, many of which are being trained and guided by a Pilates instructor. So what is Pilates exactly, and what should a person know before starting up in this program?

Pilates, a combination of aerobics and yoga postures, is not as new as many would suspect. The system, where one is encouraged to make a mind-muscle connection, dates back to Joseph Pilates, a German who came to America in the 1920′s with a dream and a revolutionary new exercise concept originally called “contrology”. Sick and feeble as a child, Pilates devoted his entire life to improving his overall physical health and condition.

Today, the principles of breath awareness, spine alignment and torso strengthening are more popular than ever. But, what if one is new to the idea and interested in starting a new program to fit in with their pre-existing fitness regimen?

We went to Amanda Grove, a fresh Pilates Instructor in LA for her valuable thoughts. After recently completing her Pilates Certification Program, Ms. Grove is eager to introduce people to this “profound exercise that will balance your body. It can be as difficult or moderate as you want to make it,” she says enthusiastically.

“Whether you are beginning a program for the very first time or a seasoned athlete struggling with an injury, Pilates is terrific low-impact training that focuses on flexibility, strengthening the core and breathing properly,” she adds, enthusiastically.

Scientifically, Pilates refined his technique to assist in rehabilitating soldiers returning from World War One. By focusing on precise movements that stretched, controlled and stabilized major muscles, the ultimate body conditioning was born. He genuinely promoted the notion that physical health and mental stability were of the same cloth, a powerful pairing that could bring a higher mind-body balance.

“Because core postural muscles are what support the alignment of the spine, these restrictive movements are ideal for strong abdominal muscles and overall health”, Ms.
Grove commented. “Breathing is a huge part of the training. There is a proper way to control breathing, it simply takes a little while to learn. And, if you are injured, Pilates may not ‘cure’ the injury, but it will keep you strong and moving,” she suggested.

Traditionally, Pilates is taught on a resistance machine known as the “reformer”. In light of the high demand of modern lifestyles, this device isn’t the most ideal to carry around from client to client the way that a massage therapist would his/her table. So, many devotees have turned to the convenience of “mat Pilates”, simulating exercises and movements on a mat, instead of the large, but highly affective apparatus. “Most people think you should begin Pilates on the mat and then graduate to the reformer, but it’s just the opposite,” advises Ms. Grove. “However, mat Pilates is great. It is mobile, especially for clients who want me to come to them, but learning on the machine first is best”.

Asked about the benefits of becoming a professionally trained Pilates Instructor, Ms. Grove responded, “overall health, well-being and great posture. People want instant transformation. Pilates will not give you that. However, at 55 minutes a sessions and two or three sessions a week, you’ll gain an ideal foundation for any other program you go after for that prime body.”