The allure of that classic six–pack, toned pins, flat tum or perfect
bum, leaves most of our client’s drawn to the aesthetic benefits of what
exercise can do for them. Exercise regimes are often a means to an end, results
driven and focused on achieving a desired effect rather than forming part of a
regular, well balanced programme aimed at improving their movement vocabulary.
In this blog…rather than focus on a specific body area or injury
discussion, it is pertinent to review a more generalised movement problem in
modern society!
Modern day lifestyles have encouraged a wave of multiple muscle
imbalances within clients and this has been compounded by weekly work postural
positions that affect or often inhibit movement in clients on the one hand or
the other extreme, where we see the emergence of the ‘weekend warrior’ who
indulges in spurts of extreme exercise to help alleviate the stress and anxiety
built into their lifestyles.
It is therefore no wonder, that these muscular
imbalances can present themselves in our Pilates classes as problem areas
causing clients discomfort or in some cases even pain. Often classes have
to be modified to suit individuals to such an extent that the class no longer resembles
a Pilates session.
Lets hear from Joseph Pilates himself. The founder of the
Pilates Method - "Contrology" he called it!
“
Physical fitness is the
first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the
attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound
mind, fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing
our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure”
Joseph
H Pilates
Let’s analyse some of what Joseph is talking about here!
“Physical Fitness and Movement = Happiness.”
Endorphin
release is good for you. It counteracts stress. However some people can go
overboard, chasing the adrenalin rush, which can make this harmful to the
body. Repetitive movements i.e. repeating the same movement regime over
time can lead to muscle imbalance. On the other hand, lack of movement and
exercise has been linked to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure to
name but a few.
“Our interpretation of Physical Fitness”
What is your
interpretation? Is it washboard abs? The ability to fit into that pair of
skinny jeans. Ripped arms? Well think again. Joseph describes it as the
attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind. One
of the most common reasons why our clients give up on their fitness regime is
doing too much too soon and injuring themselves in the process. Fitness
enthusiasts take to exercise with great vigour-only to find themselves in pain
a short time later. We should encourage all to enjoy the process of strategic
work, where the aesthetic benefit is an automatic result, but not the aim.
“Fully Capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied
daily tasks”
The main issue here is that patients normally come and see me
when they can no longer “satisfactorily perform their many and varied daily
tasks.” An injury can be devastating to a clients’ confidence. Much like
I have seen recently to a colleague of mine who tore her Achilles tendon. Daily
tasks become a nightmare and one cannot even think about anything exercise
related. Not to mention the process of recovery, the frustration, the fear of
return to movement....
“Spontaneous Zest and Pleasure”
To be able to move
the way we want. Play with our kids, run, jump skip. Climb walk, squat. Hang??
How spontaneous can you be at the moment? Do you hold yourself back? And do you
impose those limitations on those around you?
In conclusion, move
more, and open your repertoire to the possibilities of what a good
movement vocabulary can do. Go after the strategic process and let the
reward be the aesthetic benefit not the aim in the first place. If you work
with a body worker or Physical Therapist, make sure they understand these
movement philosophies.
As I always say. I must walk the walk and talk the talk.
For emphasis once
more, I couldn't resist...now try reading this again.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our
interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a
uniformly developed body with a sound mind, fully capable of naturally,
easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with
spontaneous zest and pleasure”
Be Well
Leslie
