Counting from the age of exercise Pilates is on the younger side. Pilates was first created by Josef Pilates in the early 90's. In the beginning he created Pilates to help strengthen those who were injured laying in hospital beds. From there dancers were the first to take to the routine and concept of Pilates. Today it seems that everyone has heard of it, tried it or is participating in Pilates.
The other day we got into a discussion about twists iin one of my classes. (That does seem to be what drives this blog.... a question or just something interesting in class about which I find myself musing). I do not intend to do a detailed anatomical analysis, or literature review of research on twists, but I would like to make some general points on why one might wish to do them, and what are some things to think about in practicing them.
Wellness Matters Magazine May/June 2013 Issue www.wellnessmattersmagazine.com You've Got to Move It, Move It!Pilates for a Symbiotic Mind and Bodyby Monique Molino
Today life is crammed with demands on personal time, energy, and space. When you continuously care for others without taking care of yourself, you reach beyond your capacity to function. Like a hard drive with too much information, you essentially crash and burn due to these physical and mental imbalances. At a Pilates class it’s your time to recharge your batteries so you can rediscover your mind-body equilibrium. The Pilates breathing technique will help you to capitalize on your strengths without wearing yourself down.
Lay down supine (on your back) with your feet placed near your tailbone. Place hands under the arch of your back, about 4 fingers should fit. Remove fingers and feel the neutral spinal position. Then, press the lower back down and round or tuck the tailbone while squeezing abdominals. Next, arch the back and lift the tailbone while squeezing the back muscles. Repeat, you can also do this movement standing.
Before getting out of bed 1.) while laying on your back (supine) 2.) do a few pelvic tilts and 3.) pelvic circles 4.) bring your knees towards your chest and hug underneath 5.)open your arms out to the sides and take your knees to one side and then the other - use pillows underneath the knees for support and comfort if needed 6.) roll out of bed and 7.) stand in mountain (tadasana) for a few breaths – grateful to begin a new day.
How to do itStand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Begin turning your torso from side to side, allowing your arms to swing freely and limply (think of them as empty coat sleeves). Make fists and continue the torso and arm movements. Your fists will lightly bump your hips in the front and back." Say (think) a mantra (affirmation) as your “gong ringing hands” ‘pound’ your body. After one minute, relax your hands and slowly return to the starting position."Why it matters
