Pilates Explained

Introduction
Pilates is a dynamic conditioning form of exercise, which specifically targets our deep, core muscles. Core muscles are also referred to as your core stability. Pilates and core stability go hand in hand. Core stability muscles include deep abdominal, back and pelvic floor muscles.

Pilates is named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates. In his youth, he overcame physical illness by studying exercise rehabilitation and he developed his own form of exercise, which we now recognise as Pilates. Through the success of his technique, Joseph Pilates trained professional ballet dancers, boxers and elite athletes Since his death in 1967, Pilates has been embraced by the medical and sporting world, as it is now widely recognised to facilitate and maximise health and fitness. Due to the benefits of Pilates, more sports people (professional and amateur alike) are incorporating it into their regular training programmes.

Research
There is an increasing body of high quality medical research which supports the benefits of Pilates. When taught correctly, Pilates can significantly improve function and sporting performance. By improving core stability, you can positively improve posture, balance, flexibility and tone. Pilates has been shown to be useful in treating sporting injuries e.g. hamstring and groin injuries. Research also shows it is very effective in helping to manage, overcome and prevent lower back pain. In the sporting world, there is increasing evidence for the use of Pilates and its effectiveness for injury prevention.

Traditional and Modified Pilates
Traditional Pilates was originally used for ballet dancers and elite athletes. Due to the extreme positioning of some of these exercises, Traditional Pilates is not always functional or appropriate for everyone. Therefore, Chartered Physiotherapists have developed Modified Pilates which is more suited to the majority of people and can be specifically tailored to GAA players. Modified Pilates is now widely used by many elite athletes across a wide spectrum of sports e.g. footballers, runners, gymnasts and rugby players.

Basic Concept
In Pilates, the core muscles are referred to as the ‘centre’. The basic concept is to engage your centre muscles at a low level and to maintain good body alignment, whilst performing any sequence of Pilates exercises at the same time.

Specific Training
Highly skilled health professionals with musculoskeletal and Pilates training can incorporate Pilates into your training programme. This may be done on a one-to-one basis or you may attend a general or specific GAA Pilates class.

Progression
Most Pilates exercises have different levels of progression, which vary from basic to advanced levels. Skilled Pilates instructors select specific exercises based on your baseline core stability and level of fitness. Exercises should also be chosen according to the nature of your sporting requirements or to facilitate treatment of  specific injury. Exercises are performed in a variety of positions. Equipment may be used to increase the resistance and/or make the exercises more challenging.

Pilates V Cardiovascular(CV) Training
It is important to recognise the difference between Pilates and CV training i.e.     running, gym work or circuit training. CV training is commonly associated with ‘working up a sweat’ and improving your overall fitness and pitch stamina. Pilates is most effective when the exercises are performed with the correct technique and precision of movement. Pilates is more focused on the quality rather than the quantity of exercise.