Pilates, pronounced "pu-lah-tease" is a set of controlled exercises, which like yoga, condition the body and mind. The 500 or so exercises improve posture, minimize stress, and improve muscle groups. Yoga pilates is an invigorating type of exercise, and one typically feels renewed rather than exhausted after a pilates session. Pilates is a balanced type of exercise routine which takes a holistic approach of not overworking any one particular group of muscles. Like yoga, pilates requires only a yoga mat to practice, although there are several other pieces of specialized equipment that can help in certain exercises. Many specialized pilates classes are available in pilates and yoga studios and centers around the country. Pilates is usually taught by a certified instructor, who can help create a pilates program to suit your own particular needs. However, there are a great many useful yoga and pilates DVDs, videos and recordings available to help get you started.
Many of the DVDs available are quite useful and show skilled practitioners taking the various poses and doing the various exercises, and guiding you through each step of the way. The Denise Austin pilates videos are particularly useful and helpful.
While not all pilates programs are alike, they all originate from the routine originated first by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. At its basic form, pilates is an exercise regimen, and has similarities to many yoga practices. Yet, the debate over pilates versus yoga continues. The fact is, whether you practice pilates, yoga, or a combination of both depends on your personal goals. Many types of yoga are considered spiritual as well as physical pursuits, and incorporate meditative practices, while pilates is a more modern exercise routine.
Basic pilates can be done with just a mat, but some more advanced moves call for equipment that helps you to more safely manipulate your body into these challenging positions. Nonetheless, simple mat-based exercises are a good place to start. Once you've gotten used to the mat-based exercises, you may wish to branch out and use some pilates equipment to try different types of workout. In general, you should do pilates two to four times a week.
Instructors have earned pilates certification, which requires hundreds of hours of study and practice. Instructors have learned over 500 exercises, and are familiar with the philosophy behind each one. For those who wish to go on to become instructors, you may be able to earn a pilates certification after only a few sessions, if you are already a fitness professional, and only wish to teach mat classes. However, to be certified to teach the full range of pilates on all of the available equipment, the course of study is significantly longer. A study of anatomy is also usually required.
