Pilates as an exercise system has been rapidly changing and growing. As its popularity goes up, the number of teachers and variations on the original Pilates Method goes up as well. One popular variation on the traditional exercises is Stott Pilates, founded in 1988 by Moira Merrithew.
Originally a professional dancer who had suffered injuries, Merrithew began to study pilates with one of the Joseph Pilates's original students, Romana Kryzanawska. After two years of this study, Merrithew began an intensive study of anatomy, rehabilitation of the spine, and the science of exercise. She's one of he leaders in integrating pilates with modern exercise science.
Stott pilates is intended to safely deliver the optimal levels of endurance, strength, and flexibility without adding muscular bulk. This makes it a popular approach with many women. Stott pilates can be performed on a mat, or with various types of pilates equipment. It differs from traditional pilates approaches in that it updates the program for modern exercise principles. For instance, the original Pilates Method was intended to create a flat back. However, modern thinking says that some curvature to the spine is good. Stott pilates seeks to restore natural spine curvature while providing strength and balance to the muscles.
Like traditional pilates exercises, Stott pilates intends to improve the body's core strength and muscle balance. This is meant to help the body look, feel, and function better. Stott pilates focuses specifically on breathing, pelvic placement, placement of the rib cage, movement of the scapula, and the placement of the head and cervical spine. All of these can be affected by the tension of various muscles.
While some have compared Stott pilates, and pilates exercises in general, to yoga, they have only a few things in common. Both types of exercise emphasize development of the body in concert with development of the mind, emphasize long, smooth movements that encourage muscular lengthening and relaxation, and deep breathing. However, yoga involves moving from one static posture to the next, whereas Stott pilates focuses through a series of movements with repetitions.
The average person who decides to take up Stott pilates as a form of exercise will need to attend two to three classes per week. Results are usually seen after ten to twelve classes. Just how many classes you should take depends on your levels of physical activity, existing injuries, and whether you're taking group or private lessons.
Pilates workouts are gentle and controlled enough to be done even be people with preexisting physical conditions, like back injuries. They are even used in physical therapy to help with injuries, and may help reduce pain. Be sure, however, to only work out within a safe range if you have a condition that might cause a problem, and work with a qualified instructor who can help adjust your workout accordingly.
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