Did you know Pilates was around before Physical Therapy? Joseph was a genius about the body and function. I was recently on vacation swimming in the Ocean when my girlfriend asked me, "how long would I have to do Pilates to get your stomach and your agility?
Six Months participating 2-3 times weekly taking Pilates Instructions and actually showing up to the appointment, both, Physically and Mentally! The physical and mental body is made up of Energy that flows inside and around us; it changes shape/evolves but never stops! Joseph understood "Energy" and the power we hold over how we can transform our physical-self into a beautiful sculpted figure but also manufacture bodies of pure strength.
Joseph would compare the energy of wild animals to humans and how the animal body never carries stagnant energy. That is the difference between humans and our animal counterpart, their Energy never moves like molasses creating a non-synergistic relationship with the organism.
This is why exercise is crucial- not only does it create the sensation of our bodies having a more natural flow but it develops the natural and instinctive connection of our minds to functional movement.
I do not believe that "changing your attitude" has the same effect as committing to the systematic method of Pilates exercise. We want bodies moving consciously to achieve physical happiness which triggers mental satisfaction. From the moment a client pumps their arms for the hundreds blood begins to flow throughout the body delivering oxygen and nutrients to working muscles also disposing toxins via complete exhalation.
In this moment something fantastic is happening with the "Energy" that we aren't even checked into! Following the Hundreds is the Roll-Up, the reward to that initial "wake-up-work" relaxing the nervous-system. In this moment the expectation is set for the hour. Somewhere between entering the studio and these two exercises the client's mind and body has decided subconsciously their commitment for the hour.
Are you there? Can you recall what happened between walking through the door and (now) beginning to exercise? Observation of most clients' is they don't actually "check-in" to the workout until half way through the hour. When you start the work-out, try, mentally or verbally recognize you have arrived to Pilates and in this hour you are going to give your mind and body the focus it deserves to achieve goals and seek the physical and mental change we desire! Asking yourself to really show-up will bring the you want to the work, external stresses will diminish, and you will probably see faster results!
Great article, thanks for sharing. I wonder if there is any physical therapy documentation that I could show to my doctor for this.
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