Pilates is a physical fitness system that was designed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a gymnast born in Germany. He designed a system of exercises during the First World War with the goal of improving the rehabilitation program for many returning war veterans.
Joseph recommended a few precise movements emphasizing control and form to aid injured soldiers in regaining their health through strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing key muscles. The Pilates Principles were created to condition the entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement.
Recently Ben from Racers’ Toolbox decided to see what all the fuss was about and started a pilates course at Focus Pilates to improve his poor flexibility and to ease the pain in his lower back he has been feeling since taking a full time desk job.
On his first visit to Focus, Ben was put through a series of tests by the instructor. The goal of these tests? To establish strengths and weaknesses from which the instructor can tailor a programme. The instructor identified that he is very tight through his lower and upper back and through his hamstrings. Ben will now undergo 4 more one on one pilates sessions with his instructor Danny and will then move to group classes. Total programme – 5 weeks.
The photo to the right is of Ben’s current flexibility. His goal? To place both hands flat on the ground by 1 January 2011. Check back in a few weeks to see how he is progressing in the next installment of the pilates blog.
For those interested in trying pilates, the guys at Focus Pilates are the best. They have 2 studios – one situated in the heart of the CBD at 20 Malacca Street and a fabulous new studio in Tiong Building in Orchard Road. You can visit their website at www.focuspilates.com.sg to find out more about their approach and services.
