PILATES Start with proper breathing and being kind to your spine
Date: 10-05-2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States |
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o you know what your spine looks like? Or how your vertebrae should line up for good posture?
Certified Pilates instructor Leslie Steensrud does and she's sharing that information with her clients.
"Most people don't even realize what their spine should look like," Steensrud said recently, pointing to the framed poster of the human backbone in her second-floor studio at Paris Gibson Square.
Steensrud teaches Precision Pilates classes.
"When I get a client, the first session I have them stand in front of the mirror and from there I build a foundation. I show them how the body is out of balance."
Before they're able to build muscle and develop a strong body they must correct their posture, Steensrud said.
Then come lessons in breathing.
"Proper breathing increases circulation and gets the dead air out of the lungs that can produce disease in the body," she said.
Much of what Steensrud teaches in Great Falls today originated in Europe nearly 90 years ago.
Born in Germany, Joseph Pilates was a sickly child who suffered asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He dedicated his life to becoming stronger and studied bodybuilding and gymnastics. Pilates came to believe that bad posture and inefficient breathing were the roots of poor health and devised exercises to solve those problems.
Many are glad he did.
"I love how Pilates has strengthened the core, and made me stronger," said Colleen Reilly, who had back surgery four years ago and tried several exercises with few results until she gave Pilates' techniques a try. "It makes my body flexible and keeps the pain down on an even keel.
"With Pilates, you don't get huge, bulky, muscles. It elongates and strengthens the muscles. I feel strong and good without looking like 'Stretch Armstrong.'"
Once her clients have body alignment and proper breathing methods down, Steensrud works with them on stomach, leg, arm and abdominal exercises.
"Years ago, everyone just wanted a 'six-pack,' but how does that help you function in everyday life?" Steensrud said.
"What Pilates does is strengthen from the core deep inside the body and then build strength from there."
