Fitness & exercise  Type of exercise  Pilates

Pilates: What is Body Control Pilates?

Body Control Pilates is very closely based upon the method of body-conditioning and training developed by the late Joseph Pilates. It is an exercise method which relies on strengthening core postural muscles and developing body alignment. It avoids the muscle and ligament damage, sometimes associated with other fitness regimes.

Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective - and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles.

Eight Principles of Body Control Pilates:

• Relaxation
• Concentration
• Co-ordination
• Centring
• Alignment
• Breathing
• Stamina
• Flowing Movements

By working in the deep architectural structure of the body, 'core stability' is achieved, and then maintained, through increasingly complex movement sequences. Specific problem-areas can be targeted by an exercise, but always in relation to the rest of one's body.

Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body - Body Control Pilates literally teaches you to be in control of your body, allowing you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.

The 'Body Control Body'

The best description of the 'Body Control Body' is long, lean and strong. The body is slender, but with a hidden strength under a healthy muscle tone - we are not looking for bulky muscles and bulging biceps. Through the prescribed exercise routines, we retrain the body to work efficiently with minimal effort and no tension. Stamina and co-ordination are improved. The body comes into perfect balance and alignment, with the result that the immune system is stimulated and the level of general health very often rises because the internal organs can now sit and function correctly. After working with the Method for a period of time, a student will notice improved posture and alignment.

Who is it for?

• Anyone wishing to improve their total fitness, posture and appearance.
• Professional sportspersons using advanced conditioning programmes to enhance performance. (Tennis, rugby, football, equestrian......)
• Any athlete can be given an extra edge.

For more information and to find out if there is a Pilates class near you please go to: www.bodycontrol.co.uk

This article is courtesy of Running4Women.com