| |
|
|
|
| |
| What is Pilates? |
Pilates is an extensive exercise form that was developed throughout the first half of the 20th Century by Joseph Pilates. Drawing on his experience in martial arts, yoga, boxing and other diverse physical disciplines, Joseph Pilates developed a complex system of exercises that strengthen the core, improve mobility and create long lean muscles.
Pilates was well before his time, innately understanding that the "core" of the body had to be strong. At the time however, core stability had not yet been researched and core muscles referred to all of the abdominals and gluteal muscles. Today, research shows that core function is more complex. |
| |
| How does The Pilates Process approach differ from traditional Pilates methods? |
| There are two key defining elements to all TPP training: adaptability to evolving research and an emphasis on "how" to teach rather than just "what" to teach. Core stability research can be incorporated to some degree in all training, even the most basic mat courses. It affects how we cue, program and adapt. We teach instructors the reasons behind the method so that they can make educated teaching decisions and logical choices rather than simply repeating information. The emphasis on how to teach is fundamental. There are numerous ways to communicate information and we want our instructors to observe and adapt to how the clients learn. Assisted practice on non-Pilates students is a key element of TPP training. |
| |
| What is core stability? |
| Core stability, often referred to as core strength, refers to the activation of the deeper muscles in the body that control posture and alignment. Generally these core stabilizing muscles are responsible for controlling and supporting the joints rather than for creating movement. They help prevent joint compression and excessive strain on the spine. |
| |
| Is core strength the same thing as abdominal strength? |
| Not exactly. First of all, core muscles are throughout the body, not just the abdominals. Core stability muscles work differently from the more surface or phasic muscles. The core muslces are designed for endurance rather than strength and work on a subconscious level to control joint movement and protect structures. The firing pattern, or sequence inwhich muscles activate is a crucial element to good function. |
| |
| How does poor core stability relate to back pain? |
| If there is dysfunction in how these core stability muscles function, than the phasic or more surface muscles will grip in an effort to stabilize. These phasic muscles can be very strong and developed, but cannot do the job of the core muscles. |
| |
| What is ideal spinal alignment? |
| We are not all meant to be identical, but there are guidelines as to what is ideal. The spine is not designed to be flat. There are three “neutral” curves that should exist to put the spine in a more shock absorbant alignment putting the least amount of stress on discs and other spinal structures. When this alignment is compromised it puts the joints at risk of compression and breakdown. Ideal alignment allows for forces to be distributed evenly |
| |
| How does poor posture relate to back pain? |
| Poor posture creates imbalance in the body and stresses joints by transmitting forces unevenly. In other words, when good alignment is not maintained certain structures and muscles have to take the bulk of the strain and tend to overwork and breakdown. |
| |
| Why do my hamstrings and back feel so tight even though I stretch regularly? |
| If there is poor core muscle function in the pelvis and low back, then other muscles will tighten in an attempt to stabilize. Hamstrings are large power muscles that are not designed as stabilizers but in a case of poor core function, they will grip in an effort to stabilize. You can stretch them constantly but they will not release until the deep core muscle function improves. |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
