Vital
Direct from our expert, Dr. Howard Sichel
To understand more about Pilates, I spoke with Dr. Howard Sichel, president and CEO of Power Pilates. The Power Pilates certification and educational program is part of the curriculum at NYU’s School of Physical Therapy, and is also offered at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sichel has been using classical Pilates with his chiropractic patients since 1982 as help in reducing or eliminating their chronic pain.
Classical Pilates teaches the exercises and principles created by Joseph Pilates in a systematic, integrated approach, one that allows the instructor to communicate simply and clearly with the client. It is a comprehensive exercise system that focuses on strengthening and stabilizing the core muscles of the body -- the abdominals, back, and buttocks. A strong core, called the powerhouse, stabilizes the torso, and allows for the correction of chronic weaknesses. And chronic weakness, says Dr. Sichel, is what fuels chronic pain.
Once the powerhouse has been strengthened, you then advance to work on the peripheral parts of the body. Pilates sessions are vigorous, and movement-based, and each one addresses stability, strength, stretch, and stamina. A trained instructor knows that the long-term correction of a tight muscle requires that he/she first correct the root cause of the tightness. Simply stretching the muscle risks chronic strain. Classical Pilates does transform the appearance of its practitioners. But, more importantly, it actually helps the body heal, balance, and change naturally through movement.
Dr. Sichel stresses the importance of taking Pilates only in studios where the instructors are well-trained in a classical form of Pilates. This would involve certification from a nationally recognized and accredited program. “Ask questions. Find out where the instructors were certified. And do your own research on the internet,” says the doctor. “Be smart about how you take care of your body.”
Recommendation from Power Pilates
At Dr. Sichel’s Power Pilates studios they recommend that new Pilates students begin with an Introduction to Mat Class together with at least three private Pilates sessions. This way, students become familiar with the movements and the language of Power Pilates. Dr. Sichel suggests moving to Open Level Mat Classes when you feel ready for more of a challenge. He also recommends at least three sessions or classes per week.
A note from the author:
I went directly to the Open Level Mat Classes, and was incredibly frustrated. I did not have the core strength to perform the exercises correctly, and since I didn’t go the recommended three times per week (because I was so frustrated), I definitely didn’t achieve the maximum benefits. I found that switching to Pilates sessions, which use the many pieces of equipment invented by Joseph Pilates, provided me with a better introduction to Pilates, and left me in a much better mood. The equipment was designed to add resistance training and deep stretching, which cannot be achieved on the mat. It also addresses weaknesses that become apparent while doing the mat work.
Since my instructor, Irina, used the Pilates movements and equipment that were appropriate for my personal strengths and weaknesses, I left each session feeling both challenged and accomplished. If money is an issue, stick with the mat work; it may take longer, but you will spend less and still benefit from all that Pilates has to offer.
And remember: movement heals. So get up and move.
How to find the Pilates studio for you:
Chose wisely … Pilates is definitely the it exercise today, but it must be done correctly to ensure safety and maximum benefits. Do your research, ask questions, and have fun. Just don’t expect to get the same results at 50 (when you are totally out of shape) as you did at 35 (when you were in seriously great shape).
1. The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) – an international, nonprofit organization that promotes the exercise and movement technique of Pilates. The organization is dedicated to establishing standards for education and information, and for the training and certification of instructors. It is on the Web at: www.pilatesmethodalliance.org Click on “Find a PMA Pilates Certified Teacher” in the “Find It!” box on the top right corner of the page.
2. Power Pilates
Seven studios in Manhattan. Ask about their introductory offers. Call for info about their other national and international studios: (212) 627.5852 or visit their Website, www.powerpilates.com, or e-mail info@powerpilates.com
3. Do not Google “Pilates classes in Manhattan.” You will get more than 190,000 hits and a headache.
— E.J. Ruskin
