The Power of Pilates

If a long, lean physique is what you hope to accomplish with your exercise routine, look no further. Pilates may be your answer.

Famous for firming up Hollywood’s hottest actors, pilates is a total-body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination without adding bulky muscles.

Founded by Joseph H. Pilates, this exercise method improves mental and physical well-being, increases flexibility and strengthens muscles through controlled movements done on a mat or with equipment like the reformer. The device uses spring resistance and your own body weight to tone and strengthen the body. With its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys, more than 100 exercises can be performed on this surprisingly versatile apparatus.

In addition, pilates is a safe form of exercise for almost anyone. It increases circulation, helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (the torso region of the body), teaches body awareness, good posture and graceful movement. Don’t we all want to look and feel as graceful as professional ballet dancers?

Those who do pilates regularly feel they are in control of their bodies, are less prone to injury and experience overall improved health. Pilates works the whole body in synergy, which is how we should be moving on a daily basis.

“Benefits of practicing pilates on a regular basis,” says Theresa Monsour, owner of Inner Balance Pilates in Gilroy, “are many—strong core muscles, lower belly gone and the ability to move freely in all directions.

Lower belly gone? Sign me up. After having three kids of my own, I need all the help I can get!

According to Monsour, a regular practice of pilates is great for people who want more core strength and have not been satisfied with their mundane gym routine.

“Pilates can give you the mental reassurance that you can do any sport or physical activity, from lifting a baby to caring for an elder person,” she said.

Monsour, who is a certified instructor in the pilates method, has taught pilates on the mat and reformer for 12 years. She opened her studio 11 years ago after not being able to find a pilates studio in the South Bay Area.

A German immigrant, Pilates grew up as sickly child, riddled with asthma and rickets. He was obsessed with human anatomy and the perfect body and created this discipline a century ago to combine the physique of the ancient Greeks with the meditative strength of the East, known today as pilates.

Pilates taught his method to wounded English soldiers during World War I. Using springs he removed from hospital beds, he developed techniques and exercises to increase the soldiers’ range of motion. It was with this idea that he created the equipment still used today, such as the reformer.

Classes at Inner Balance Pilates in Gilroy are taught throughout the day, Monday through Friday. Private and semi-private classes are scheduled by appointment. For more information, visit Inner Balance Pilates.