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by Dee McMath
Pilates Is a system of
stretching and toning the muscles of the body to improve posture,
streamline the body shape and help the body strengthen some types
of illness or surgery.
Invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's, Pilates
is a set of exercises, which build the body's strengths by a series
of special stretching moves. Joseph Pilates worked in a hospital
after the First World War and improvised stretching apparatus from
the springs on the beds of bedridden ex-soldiers with debilitating
injuries. More sophisticated versions of the machines are used all
over the world today as part of the Pilates programme.
Pilates has surged in popularity over the last decade
and about two years ago it arrived in Andalucia. There are now Pilates
classes in some of the gyms along the Costa del Sol, especially
in the Marbella area. There is also a fully equipped Pilates studio
in Marbesa, half way between Fuengirola and Marbella. Marta Sánchez
trained with Pilates gurus in Canada. Some other individual trainers
give classes on 'matwork' only classes. You may find classes advertised
in the local (free) English speaking weekly newspaper - 'SUR in
English', which comes out every Friday.
The best way to learn Pilates is on the specially
designed machines and with the expert advice of an experienced trainer.
Some of the moves are inspired by Yoga and correct breathing and
concentration is essential for Pilates to benefit your body. Beware
of aerobic teachers who watch a video on the techniques and then
add Pilates to their class timetables. A well-trained teacher can
give a good group class.
Pilates machines are unlike machines you will find
the gym. They have names like Cadillac and the Reformer. The Cadillac
has a series of poles, bars, spring and straps hanging from it and
the idea is to use more than one muscle group in each move, engaging
the whole body in the exercise. Pilates concentrates on centering
and uses the main, powerhouse muscles to strengthen the whole body.
Full concentration is the key to achieving your goals with Pilates.
People who have followed gym and training sessions for years, still
find Pilates very challenging. It develops strength that you need
to safely carry out other types of exercise. Since it has arrived
on the Costa del Sol, it has become popular amongst golfers, who
often have problems with body alignment, due to the one sided swing
of the golf club.
This is the perfect exercise programme for most
people. From those who have never exercised to those who are keen
athletes, the build of strength sets you in good stead for other
activities.
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| Name |
Address |
Telephone |
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| Jeanine Simeoni |
Nueva Andalcuia
- Marbella |
+34 606 122
323 |
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