Founder of this system, Joseph Pilates, took some of his inspiration from yoga. It utilizes the power of the mind to help with the exercises and to increase harmony between body and mind. The exercises are different from yoga because they work the body as a whole, not particular muscle groups. Mr. Pilates was sickly as a child. He became interested in fitness while working with immobile patients as an orderly during WWI. He developed a series of exercises using springs attached to their beds. He discovered that people became stronger more quickly when certain apparatus was used. After the war he moved to America and opened a fitness studio in NYC. His techniques attracted many well known people.
Although the use of equipment is part of the Pilates program, the original system was based on matwork. The basic principles concentrate on rhythmic breathing, centered posture, smooth movements and a focused mind.
There are many benefits to be obtained from doing Pilates regularly, including more self- confidence and an increased sense of well being. Physically, you will develop a leaner body, have better circulation, more efficient digestion and an enhanced immune system. Other benefits may include improved skin, less stress and clearer thinking through increased oxygen intake. Pilates helps you to build strength and flexibility, but to increase stamina it should be combined with a cardiovascular program such as aerobics.
If you are in reasonably good health, Pilates is suitable for you. If there is a qualified teacher near you, you may want to take classes. However, you can design a program in your own home and practice at your own convenience. Some things to keep in mind if you choose to do this are: Have a comfortable spot for floor exercises, wear comfortable, non- constricting clothing, drink plenty of water, warm-up before and cool-down after you finish.
While learning the different exercises, don?t forget the importance of rhythmic breathing. When you inhale you are not only taking oxygen into your lungs, the act also circulates blood around the body. When you exhale, you expel stale air and gasses such as carbon dioxide from your lungs. If you hold your breath during physical effort, carbon dioxide will accumulate in your body and weaken your muscles. Holding your breath can increase blood pressure, make you tense and waste energy. Also, good posture is an important part of doing the exercises correctly.
If you suspect that your posture is poor, you may want to consult a qualified Pilates instructor to help correct it. A useful tip to help check your own posture is to have someone take two photographs, one in a standing and one in a sitting position (side views). Some things to look for: rounded shoulders, a protruding stomach, your head or chin jutting forward. Before you begin each set of exercises, be sure to begin with the right posture.
There are websites and books available to teach you the various exercises. Proceed at your own pace. Taking the time to do them correctly is vital. Learn the art of visualization. It is a fact that visualizing something can help it to come true. So put a picture in your mind of how you want to look or feel and it will help to keep you motivated to get the results you want.
J Kane is an author and webmaster for Learn Yoga
Showing posts with label Joseph Pilates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joseph Pilates. Show all posts
March 1, 2009
February 26, 2009
The Truth About Options for Yoga Teachers, Part 4
Yoga Hybrids: It could be argued that Pilates is a Yoga hybrid. I don?t want to start a big debate over the Pilates Method. The founder, Joseph Pilates, was truly an innovator and way ahead of his time; he also practiced Yoga and martial arts. Therefore, the roots of the Pilates Method are still clear to see.
Many of the Yoga hybrids are combinations of Yoga with dance, martial arts, and Pilates. If you were to pursue these a bit further you could ?re-invent the wheel? or become certified to teach Kripalu DansKinetics, The Method, Yoga Fusion, Yogilates, or Nia.
All of these Yoga hybrids are very active and trendy at this time. Some of them may well pass the test of time, such as the Pilates Method. Only time will tell if a health maintenance system will span generations. If you are looking for an extra niche to add to your Yoga teaching skills, any one of these methods will compliment a Yoga class schedule.
Chair Yoga: There are some Yoga teachers who should not consider this field. If a Yoga instructor does not believe in modifications, props, and tailoring a Yoga class toward the students, he or she should stay away from this rewarding field.
There is a tremendously large demand for Yoga teachers, who are patient, compassionate, creative, and want to help others. This is a Yoga teaching position which demands that you learn about ailments, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and physiology, on a steady basis. Continuing education is a very important part of a Chair Yoga teacher?s job.
As the Baby Boom generation ages, this ?spells out? job security for Yoga instructors who wish to specialize in Chair Yoga. There is no better time than right now to get started, and Chair Yoga will continue to be in need for decades to come. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time for the demand for all of the Chair Yoga classes in my little corner of Rhode Island.
In the past, I have trained Yoga teachers to specialize in this field. The demand to fill the local needs of nursing homes, seniors centers, gated communities, assisted living, adult day care, and physical rehabilitation centers, is far greater than the number of teachers. This is just the ?tip of the iceberg,? and my mornings are full with teaching Chair Yoga sessions in the Greater Providence area.
Lastly, the current Chair Yoga teaching opportunities are many, and this particular field is still in its infancy. You will never find a more appreciative group of students, than you will find by teaching a Chair Yoga class.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Many of the Yoga hybrids are combinations of Yoga with dance, martial arts, and Pilates. If you were to pursue these a bit further you could ?re-invent the wheel? or become certified to teach Kripalu DansKinetics, The Method, Yoga Fusion, Yogilates, or Nia.
All of these Yoga hybrids are very active and trendy at this time. Some of them may well pass the test of time, such as the Pilates Method. Only time will tell if a health maintenance system will span generations. If you are looking for an extra niche to add to your Yoga teaching skills, any one of these methods will compliment a Yoga class schedule.
Chair Yoga: There are some Yoga teachers who should not consider this field. If a Yoga instructor does not believe in modifications, props, and tailoring a Yoga class toward the students, he or she should stay away from this rewarding field.
There is a tremendously large demand for Yoga teachers, who are patient, compassionate, creative, and want to help others. This is a Yoga teaching position which demands that you learn about ailments, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and physiology, on a steady basis. Continuing education is a very important part of a Chair Yoga teacher?s job.
As the Baby Boom generation ages, this ?spells out? job security for Yoga instructors who wish to specialize in Chair Yoga. There is no better time than right now to get started, and Chair Yoga will continue to be in need for decades to come. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time for the demand for all of the Chair Yoga classes in my little corner of Rhode Island.
In the past, I have trained Yoga teachers to specialize in this field. The demand to fill the local needs of nursing homes, seniors centers, gated communities, assisted living, adult day care, and physical rehabilitation centers, is far greater than the number of teachers. This is just the ?tip of the iceberg,? and my mornings are full with teaching Chair Yoga sessions in the Greater Providence area.
Lastly, the current Chair Yoga teaching opportunities are many, and this particular field is still in its infancy. You will never find a more appreciative group of students, than you will find by teaching a Chair Yoga class.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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