- Main differences between Academy Pilates and Clinical Pilates
- Principles of the Pilates Method
- How is Pilates breathing?
- What is centralizing
Clinical Pilates is an adaptation of several exercises developed by Joseph Pilates by physiotherapists so that they can be performed for people who have never practiced physical activity and also for the rehabilitation of people with spinal problems, to improve posture and various health problems that can benefit from muscle and joint strengthening.
This training method focuses on breathing control, the center of gravity of the body and good posture, which are excellent for increasing the ability to concentrate and improve motor coordination and also the flexibility of all muscles and tendons, and should preferably be guided by physiotherapists with specific knowledge of Clinical Pilates.
In addition to bringing physical fitness, Clinical Pilates can be used individually and also in group classes of up to 6 people to improve fitness in people of all ages.
Main differences between Academy Pilates and Clinical Pilates
| Pilates Fitness | Clinical Pilates |
| Certain exercises need physical conditioning to be performed and therefore some may be contraindicated | There are specific exercises for recovery from injuries, but all can be adapted, according to the person's need. |
| Exercises work the whole body | Exercises are very focused on the abdominals and lumbar spine |
| It is characterized by exercises to lose weight, tone and strengthen the whole body | It is characterized by therapeutic exercises that help in rehabilitation |
Clinical Pilates exercises can be performed on the ground with the use of rubber bands, a Pilates ball or mat, using the weight of the body itself or with the aid of 9 devices specific to this method that provide muscle strengthening and increase body awareness.
Both Pilates Fitness and Clinical Pilates can be performed at gyms, Pilates studios or clinics and can be guided by specialist coaches or physiotherapists. However, when there is an illness or symptoms such as back pain or sciatica, it is more advisable to perform Clinical Pilates with the guidance of a physiotherapist and when the goal is to lose weight or shape the body, Pilates Fitness with a coach.
Principles of the Pilates Method
The Pilates method is based on 6 principles:
- Concentration; Breathing; Control; Centralization; Precision andFluence of movements.
Thus, those who practice this type of physical activity must be able to perform the exercises perfectly, without overloading the joints, reaching maximum muscle capacity, coordination of movements, correct breathing and maximum attention because to practice the method perfectly, it is necessary to focus attention on the exercise and all its details.
How is Pilates breathing?
The first lesson of Pilates is to learn to breathe correctly and to center. This means that the person needs to perform the most difficult part of the exercise, that is, the contraction, during exhalation, when he is breathing out of the lungs. When the body is returning to its initial position, one should inhale, allowing air to enter the lungs. It is not allowed to remain in apnea, that is, without breathing at any time during the exercise.
You can practice this breathing lying down, 10 times in a row, while lifting your arm off the floor. So, you should:
- Make the air enter the lungs and when you start to release the air raise your arm from the floor and lower your arm while inhaling, allowing air to enter.
This breathing requires concentration and is necessary in all Pilates exercises and is more effective because it allows better oxygenation of the brain, the muscle being worked on and all the tissues of the body, requiring that the person focus all their attention on the breathing and muscle contraction, which makes you pay more attention to exercise, with less risk of injury.
What is centralizing
The 'centering' indicated by the creator of the method consists of sucking the pelvic muscles upwards, closer to the rib cage, while maintaining good posture, breathing and executing the movement. And it is precisely because it requires so much coordination that Pilates exercises are so beneficial to the mind and body.
With this type of exercise there is less possibility of muscle compensation and therefore the risk of injury in class is much less.
