The Power Of Pilates

Ready For Some Flex Appeal? Why This Form Of Exercise Is So Much More Than Simple Body Movements

- Tasmin Marshall

Revered for its ability to create strong, lean muscles with particular focus on core control, Pilates is increasing in popularity. We spoke with Dr Brent Anderson the founder of Polestar Pilates, an internationally recognised leader in Pilates instructor training, to find out what this body-strengthening exercise technique has to offer and what the latest research and developments are.

What are the central tenets of Pilates?

I think first we have to understand where Pilates came from. It goes back to Joseph Pilates – he was from Germany and had studied yoga and animal movement, he was also a boxer and a wrestler. By the time he got to New York, he became fascinated with the dance world, which is how most of us came to know him. His philosophy was much more than just movement – there was a whole life aspect to it. In fact, his formula for health and happiness was exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene, body hygiene, and mental hygiene. He endorsed plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and a balance between work, recreation and rest. Often we get so hung up on the exercise part that we miss the other tenets – it’s how you breathe, it’s the energy that flows through our bodies, it’s how we move.

How does Pilates differ from yoga?