A Pilates-based workout can change your life
By SHERYL BUSSARD

Singles Lifestyles – Conditioning

Looking for an alternative to mindless repetitions in the gym? Grapevined through aerobics until you're practically fermented? You might want to look into the effectively intense method of body conditioning known as Pilates (pi-LAH-tees). Today you can find Pilates all over the news, riding the wave of popularity like never before in its history. Why? Because today's health-conscious public is discovering what dancers, athletes, rehabilitation therapists, and a coterie of aficionados have known for decades: that the results of Pilates conditioning are immediate and noticeable. And just like most forms of disciplined exercise regime, Pilates has been proven to be mentally beneficial as well as physically. It is being appropriately referred to as a form of "active yoga." For us body-conscious southern Californians, there are tales of dramatic changes in body mass and tone. Reports of dropping a full size or two in as little as six weeks -- without sacrificing any of the major food groups. Equally salacious are the tales of slenderized hips, shapely calves, leaner thighs, and inevitably, tighter abs.

"Fitness is the first requisite to happiness." Joseph Pilates (1880-1967)

German-born Joseph Pilates, a former boxer and circus performer, began developing his system of precise, controlled movements using special spring-driven apparatus while serving as a nurse in World War 1. Pilates has been popular with dancers since the 1920s. They discovered that Pilates helped to develop well-toned, elongated muscles without adding bulk. Joseph Pilates opened his New York fitness studio and became involved with some of the most famous names in American dance: Martha Graham, Jerome Robbins, and George Balanchine, to name a few.

Because of Pilates' emphasis on proper posture, body alignment, and constant elongation, there are even reports of height gains -- up to a full inch. Inspired as well by claims of greater strength, flexibility, and mental balance, I was determined to give Pilates a try.

Rael Isacowitz a master instructor

With Pilates' increasing popularity and new studios springing up left and right I was cautious that my initial introduction be with someone well schooled in "The Method" and I found myself at On Center Conditioning in Newport Beach. Founded by Rael Isacowitz, it is home to an exclusive, internationally acclaimed instructor training and certification program that attracts students from all over the world. "We're very proud of our center which is the culmination of over twenty years work; and for me, a dream come true. I am genuinely committed to helping our clients achieve their individual health and fitness goals, and tailor programs to meet these goals."

"Pilates is also an exercise regime that benefits people of all fitness levels, and is especially useful for those recovering from orthopedic injuries." That's how San Francisco Giants catcher Brent Mayne discovered the rejuvenating effects of Pilates a couple of years ago. Following shoulder surgery during off-season, he needed to regain strength and mobility without jeopardizing the healing process. His physical therapist recommended that Mayne try Pilates. "it was exercise that fit my needs at the time perfectly. I was able to work at my own level, and was surprised by how challenging some of the moves were. I would walk out feeling good, invigorated and refreshed."

The Thinking Person's Workout

Besides athletes and dancers, Pilates is being enjoyed and practiced by a diverse mixture of the community from professionals, business owners and executives to retirees, moms and students.

The main piece of equipment is called the Universal Reformer, a padded bed-like platform with a base that glides back and forth on a track. A variety of bar, pulley, and strap attachments enable you to execute the movements lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing. The degree of resistance for strength conditioning is determined by the number of springs attached for any given series of exercises. An instructor is there to lead you to your next exercise and roams the class constantly monitoring students' movements while offering gentle reminders like "shoulders down," or "engage your abdominals," or simply "breathe." There's never the stagnation that comes with doing the same repetitive routine in a typical gym setting. The environment should calm and yet is charged with concentrated energy. Your program changes constantly. Different equipment is introduced, or more advanced variations of already-learned exercises can be added. So you're always learning new movements and working different muscle groups.

Pilates features precisely controlled movements that strengthen the body's core muscle groups

Isacowitz notes that there are six basic principles underlying an effective Pilates conditioning program: concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow, and precision. He explains that all the exercises incorporate a strong body center. They focus on strengthening the pelvic, abdominal, and back muscles, or feature precisely controlled leg and arm movements from a stabilized core. This in turn improves alignment and increases strength, balance, and flexibility.

Amazing benefits for us ordinary folk, too

When a professional ball player like Brent Mayne talks about fitness, you listen. But more and more the weekend warrior and the amateur gym member is discovering the benefits of Pilates. A throw from a horse in September 1997 eventually led Carol Wallin to Isacowitz. "I had fractured my pelvis, scapula, and ribs," said Carol. "After the initial recovery period, I was afraid that I'd never be able to fully resume my exercise routine." After her introductory session with Isacowitz she knew Pilates was what she'd been looking for. "I can't begin to tell you what a difference it's made."

Dvora Tal, an internationally renowned concert pianist, and student of Isacowitz since 1996, credits Pilates-based training for enhancing her playing ability. "My time spent here at the studio helps me prepare mentally for the piano," she said. "it makes you more conscious about your body, how you carry yourself; it makes everything else you do that much better. I'm more balanced, more centered. Ready for life." Tom Moore began Pilates at the recommendation of his chiropractor. An avid surfer, volleyball player, and snowboarder, he started experiencing back and hip problems in his early 40s. "I'm a true believer," said Tom. "I've been coming twice a week for almost two years and my back and hips never bother me any longer.

Other athletes that have benefited from Isacowitz' discerning eye include Brian Lewis, Craig Moothart and Leiff Hansen. As has Daryl Chinn, MD, a radiologist at Hoag Hospital. Daryl has been doing Pilates for three years together with his wife Jacque and son Greg, who is one of the top canoeist sand an Olympic hopeful.

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