by Elizabeth Evans, PMA, RYT

Joseph Pilates, German boxer/gymnast/therapist, may well have been the first documented ”adrenaline junkie”. He excelled at many extreme sports, including downhill racing and moguls skiing, trapeze acrobatics and deep water diving (mostly without SCUBA gear). His prevailing legacy remains however, through his system of exercise, that he named Contrology, as in controlling the body’s movement. We know it today as Pilates.

The Pilates Method was developed in the early 1900’s as a method of preliminary rehabilitation for amputees. Joseph was likely one of the first orthopedic rehab physical therapists! Today we know this discipline by name as we see it listed on health club schedules, in the media and touted by professional athletes. But what can it do for you specifically? In a word, everything!

The Pilates System of movement is developed around mobilizing the body in a controlled and fluid way, utilizing optimal muscle patterns to ensure the most efficient transfer of energy. This primarily happens by engaging the central core muscles of the body, also called the “powerhouse,” which include the Transverse Abdominals and Multifidus spinal erector muscles. When we learn to engage these deep internal muscles, we are able to move our bodies through space in a precise and centered way, preventing injury and optimizing performance. So less injuries and better function? That’s what we all want!

Dancers have long seen the benefits of Pilates’ work, beginning with Joseph’s New York studio, which he opened in 1926. Rudolph Nuryev, Martha Graham and George Ballanchine all embraced the Pilates work, along with hundreds of others throughout the years. Celebrities and Professional Athletes in the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB all practice the work. However, of all the professional athletes doing Pilates, golfers have embraced the techniques the fastest. Pilates disciples include Annika Sorenstam, David Duval, Camillio Villegas, and yes, Tiger Woods.

By doing Pilates you can actually begin to make corrections in your muscle use and patterns and this develops added core strength, increased flexibility, pelvic and shoulder girdle stability and improved balance to both sides of the body. This allows you to hit that tiny white ball farther, straighter and more accurately. The same principles apply to hitting that fuzzy, slightly larger ball across the tennis court, harder and with more control. Pilates is about movement from the center of the body, using all of the muscles together, and that is also true of golf, tennis and many other recreational sports.

As you try Pilates exercises, you may notice that some of the moves look familiar. The key to success is remembering the underlying Pilates techniques and that is what makes them so powerful. Pilates is a technique for moving pain-free in a way that is most efficient and natural for your body. It is not just exercises for the gym or at home; it transforms our bodies and the way we move through everything we do in life. It is truly a way to re-program our bodies to maximize every step, swing or stroke.

Note: APC offers Pilates Mat group classes each Tuesday at 9am and private Pilates mat and Reformer sessions by appointment.

Join us for our upcoming Pilates For Golf seminar on Monday, May 19, 6-8pm. Reservations are required so please contact us at 876-1100 to reserve your spot.

For more information on Pilates training and other upcoming Pilates special events, please contact Elle Evans at eevans@raleighortho.com