Text Box: PILATES albuquerque offers Two different methods of work that specifically work through the core systems of the body for proper and efficient movement - Pilates and GYROTONIC®. When the body is moved through the core muscles less energy is used, thus giving us more energy to store up for when we need it! Pilates and GYROTONIC® are methods of exercise that stabilize the spine and re-pattern movement in the body for better posturing and movement. The methods teach the body to work from the deepest layer of muscle that is supportive to the spine, so that the appendages are able to move in freedom. Traditional forms of exercise notoriously use the top layer of muscle that is made only for range of motion. This is not effective to penetrate the deep layer of muscle that is so supportive to the spine for strength in movement. In efficiency of movement the body moves from the depth of the spine not the appendages or outer layer of the body. Once the brain and the body can organize together for work from the deep layer of muscle, the body becomes strong from the inside out instead of just hanging on from the outside layer. Pilates is linear in movement, working in one plane against spring resistance. Pilates works against a spring that pushes into resistance in one direction and releases in the other direction. Riding the resistance is what makes the spring system unique to working the core. Learning to ride the spring resistance in both directions through the core is what is so unique to Joseph Pilates’ design of the Pilates equipment for a tractioning effect on length of the spine. GYROTONIC® works in circular movements to train the body three dimensionally in spirals. The GYROTONIC method has a unique triple pulley system that works a constant resistance in all directions, working in circular motions. GYROTONIC also has an adjustable resistive component that allows the body to become stronger. Each method works first and foremost through breath patterns that take the body deeply to the core through the effectiveness of diaphragmatic engagement that funnels power to the deepest layers of muscle for support. Often times clients ask us about the differences of MAT work and EQUIPMENT work, and our best answer is that it is best to use a combination of both. MAT work is easier to take out of the studio and practice at home – obviously. But, MAT work is harder because the client must organize the body to properly support the core system without external help. If the core system is not strong enough or organized enough to maintain the execution of the exercises it will go back to old patterns of movement and bad habits to “get through” or complete the exercise. Thus, the work is not effective at all. It just ends up another way to only penetrate the superficial muscular system. EQUIPMENT work puts the body in a fixed position it is better stabilized for proper and efficient movement. The EQUIPMENT allows for help in properly aligning and stabilizing the body. The equipment stability also helps to give the body feedback as to where the body is moving in space. Using a combination of MAT and EQUIPMENT work best helps to train the body for efficient movement in space. Lastly, it is important to address the idea of soreness in exercise. In traditional exercise the superficial muscles or top layer is what is executing the exercise in strength. When overworked, the superficial muscles will suffer from delayed onset of muscle soreness. The soreness is delayed sometimes up to 48-hours and can make the client feel “unmovable” in the areas of soreness for days. The soreness that can happen from core work is different. If core work overworks the deepest layer of muscle, the soreness comes on quicker (that day or next day), feels deeper and goes away quicker. Often times even with the deepest most aggressive core workout the body will not feel sore or feel only a “tinge” that is very deep. So as you embark on your core work exercise program keep in mind that the effectiveness comes in confidence of precision in the execution. These methods have been termed BODY/MIND methods of exercise because of the need for making proper connections and feeling awareness of HOW the exercise is executed. Recommit your practice to feel the differences in how each exercise moves through you as you experience the movement.

The Core Chronicles

 

4401-A Cutler Ave. N.E.                                                                                                                                                                                              volume 12

Albuquerque, NM 87110                                                                                                                                                                                            issue 2

 

WWW.PILATESALBUQUERQUE.COM                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Text Box: JUST DO IT! (RIGHT)