The Pilates Edge: An Athlete's Guide to Strength and Performance - Couverture souple

Loigerot, Daniel; Adamany, Karrie

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1583331840 ISBN 13 : 9781583331842

Editeur : Penguin Publishing Group, 2004

Synopsis

Pilates is a unique body conditioning method-originally developed by Joseph Pilates for boxers, gymnasts, and dancers-based on the philosophy of a unified body, mind, and spirit. Pilates teaches precision movement generated from the center of the body, the "powerhouse," which includes the abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks. Drawing from the powerhouse enhances control, can increase range of motion in the limbs, and prevent injury of the spine. The Pilates Edge makes the connection between the Pilates Method of body conditioning and sports training, showing how the basic principles of Pilates relate to athletic achievement as well as everyday health and fitness. With this instructive book, athletes and anyone wanting to enhance their physical performance will learn to strengthen and condition their bodies while preventing injuries. The authors begin by outlining the Authentic Pilates Method , as taught to them by Romana Kryzanowksa, the last living disciple of Joseph Pilates. This fully illustrated workout includes variations for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The authors then provide specific workouts to strengthen and enhance performance for golf, running, tennis, swimming, cycling, and skiing, giving special attention to the muscle groups and common injuries associated with each sport. They also include a chapter on Pilates for common aches and pains of athletes. Pilates improves physical and mental well-being for athletes at any level, enhancing performance and confidence through its 6 central principles: centering, breathing, concentration, control, precision, and flowing movement.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

Karrie Adamany is the founder of ab lab , a service that sends certified Pilates instructors to major hotels and private residences in America. This service has been recognized as a hot fitness trend in magazines such as Elle, Gotham, Australian Vogue, and Where New York. A certified Pilates instructor, Karrie is the founder of the Pilates Edge Studio in New York City. Daniel Loigerot is a certified personal trainer and martial arts instructor in judo. A former French National Triathlete, he has also served as a trainer for the French National II Basketball Team and the French National Cycling Team. He is currently an instructor of the Authentic Pilates Method at the Pilates Edge Studio in New York City.

Extrait. © Reproduit sur autorisation. Tous droits réservés.

The foundation that Pilates builds offers many benefits to athletes. By improving strength and flexibility, athletes can excel in training and boost performance. The Pilates method is based on six principles that each have individual value but combined can create total body awareness:

Principle 1: Breathing

Normally, we breathe without giving it much thought. But breathing creates endurance and energy, while encouraging relaxation. While working through a whole Pilates mat routine, playing a full tennis match, or even nine holes of golf, proper breathing is a vital component to building stamina as it keeps the bloodstream pure by circulating oxygen. While not all Pilates exercises are necessarily "breathing exercises," it is important to be aware of your breathing while exercising. Your breathing will also assist you in performing many of the more challenging movements in the routine.

Principle 2: Centering

The powerhouse—our abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks— your center. Strengthening the abdominal muscles results in a stable pelvis, and a balanced pelvis will support the lumbar spine and keep the feet and legs in alignment. When the body goes out of alignment it cannot perform as efficiently, as your center provides assistance for all movements the body makes. For instance, a runner must keep his core stabilized to gain range and speed. Additionally, a golfer must have a stable center to avoid a lateral shift while swinging the club.

Principle 3: Control

Pilates is best described as a combination of stretch and strength with control. When body and mind operate together, a movement is executes most effectively by using control. All movements in Pilates are initiated from the powerhouse, the center of control. Control is essential in preventing injuries. Without control we always use the same strong muscles and the weaker muscles stay weak. After mastering an exercise, proper control will allow you do it more quickly, therefore improving your level of performance.

Principle 4: Concentration

Concentration is the focus needed to achieve quality movements. The other five principles become easier to follow once concentration is established. An increased level of concentration enables you to visualize a movement and carry it out to the best of your body's ability. The same principle applies to your golf game: a great deal of focus is required to improve technique. The effectiveness of your Pilates workout or your game will depend on your ability to focus.

Principle 5: Fluidity

Pilates is a complete and graceful choreography in which each exercise leads into the next with energy. Smooth and agile movements create an even, flowing routine that is performed without rushing. It is essential to keep your mind focused on how each movement relates to the next during the workout. Learning to anticipate the next move and carry it out smoothly helps to improve your game and Pilates workout, and will help to conserve energy, an important part of staying in a long game or race, or for a swimmer gliding easily through the water.

Principle 6: Precision

Each movement must be precise due to the fluid nature of the Pilates routine. In Pilates, quality rules over quantity. Fewer precise movements produce the greatest result. More movements than necessary often create fatigue. For example, if a skier does not have efficiency of movement going through the gates he will tire more easily, possibly costing him time. Precision of movement will increase as you become more familiar with the Pilates exercises.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Penguin Publishing Group
• Date d'édition: 2004
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1583331840
• ISBN 13: 9781583331842
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 328
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Purmerul LTD; https://strengholt.nl/en/; ; 22 Liuleburgaz Str., floor 4, app. 9; Plovdiv; Bulgarie