The Pilates method is a smooth gym, inspired by yoga, which alternates breathing and physical exercises. It is practiced on a mat, with or without the use of equipment or accessories, such as balls, elastics, springs… Founded in 1920 by Joseph Pilates in New York, Pilates is a method of strengthening the deep muscles, located between the ribs, the pelvis and around the spine (abdominal, pelvic floor, back). Beneficial for the body and mind, Pilates is based on 5 fundamental principles. There are 5 fondamental principles :
Concentration. In Pilates, we focus on the quality of the movements rather than their quantity. The exercises are performed by focusing on breathing, body position and abdominal muscles.
Deep breathing. Pilates breathing is “thoracic”: we breathe deeply “in the back” by spreading the rib cage. The belly remains “tucked in” during all exercises; the shoulders are relaxed. Breathing well increases lung capacity, controls stress levels and reduces fatigue.
Self-control and body control. Every movement is controlled and precise. You have to control every part of your body at all times and link the pieces together slowly, efficiently and smoothly.
Centering of the abdominal belt. In Pilates, we first work from the “centre” of the body: abdominals, lower back, buttocks, perineum… This “centre” supports the back muscles and internal organs during each movement, as if it were a corset. The deep muscles are strengthened to support the superficial muscles and prevent injury. The flexibility and fluidity of the movements. Pilates improves the flexibility of muscles and joints, through stretches that are performed in harmony with the thoracic breathing.
Pilates classes are for everyone because the exercises, although demanding, are neither violent nor traumatic for the body. Pilates can be practised by both men and women, whether they are athletic or not, by the elderly, injured or recovering from illness, by people who are stressed, tired, or suffering from stiffness, or by women who are pregnant or who have just given birth. This method is progressive (in case of doubt, do not hesitate to ask the advice of a health professional) and the exercises can be adapted according to the level, the needs of each person, and the possible pathologies. Each initial session with me will include a postural analysis to create a programme tailored to your needs.
Pilates offers its practitioners undeniable benefits such as: improved posture and balance, muscle strengthening, relaxation, sheathing, improved movement control and better body awareness.
Like other sports activities, a Pilates class is effective at burning calories, which means it can be an effective way to lose weight. But it depends on your metabolism and then on your diet.
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference. In 20 sessions, you will see the difference. And after 30 sessions you will have a brand new body. ”- Joseph Pilates. Coaches usually offer 55-minute sessions, three times a week.
Pilates is a gentle discipline, to be practiced without moderation. Like any physical activity, it must be practised every week throughout the year to be effective. Our advice: do 2 to 3 Pilates sessions per week, depending on your age and your goal.
If Yoga is a fundamentally spiritual method of relaxation, which allows the development of flexibility, the Pilates sport aims at muscular reinforcement by concentrating on the deep muscles, and this, by taking care of the correction of the posture and the easing of the articulations.
A Pilates session with Anne should begin with a few warm-up exercises, followed by a relaxation phase, lying down, focusing on breathing and awareness of the movements performed on the spine, pelvis, neck and rib cage This is followed by gentle contractions of the transversus abdominis and the perineum, always maintaining an appropriate breathing rhythm.
Pilates is essentially based on six fundamental principles:
Centering, breathing, fluidity, concentration, precision and control. The Pilates method favours quality rather than quantity in the execution of movements, i.e. intensity predominates.
And you are right! Even in a so-called “soft” sport, a badly executed movement can cause pain! We will have to transform this fear into benevolent vigilance and develop your understanding of the body so that we can work with it, adapting the movements to your possible pathology and not your body to the exercise! For this reason we discuss together before your first course and the group work is limited to 7 participants, so that everyone can benefit from an advice or a correction on each exercise.