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To tone up and trim down, the Pilates method may be the key to shedding that unwanted layer of winter fat. Yet the benefits of Pilates extend beyond weight loss, and the method is often recommended by doctors and physical therapists for treating back pain, developing flexibility and improving coordination as well as increasing the circulation of synovial fluid in the joints — thus helping safeguard the body against arthritis. But what is the Pilates method? The Pilates method, which is often referred to as “the hottest trend in fitness,” has actually been around for 90 years. However, it only arrived in Moscow in 2001, as part of that year’s International World Class Fitness Conference, said Maria Ishiyeva, World Class gym’s press secretary. For a while, the Pilates method was only offered at World Class gyms. Now, however, basic Pilates mat classes can be found all over the city.
What are the core muscles? They are the stabilizing muscles deeply buried under or behind surface muscles. Surface muscles tend to be overworked since our bodies tend to rely on these muscles for everyday movement. Bad habits and even traditional exercise methods place unnecessary pressure on surface muscles while weakening the stabilizing muscles. For instance, actions such as sitting hunched behind a computer all day or lifting dumbbells incorrectly weaken the chest muscles and overstretch the muscles in the back. Pilates works to remedy such imbalances and focuses on retraining the subconscious to transfer the effects of movement away from surface muscles to the body’s stabilizing muscles. The Pilates method involves a series of exercises that incorporate breathing with smooth, controlled movements. The mind-breath connection in Pilates is key to increasing the circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Pilates resembles the more contemplative, Eastern forms of exercise by focusing on connecting mind and body through exercises with often funny-sounding names such as “the hundred,” “the corkscrew,” “the seal” and even “rolling like a ball.” The basic Pilates workout involves a mat on the floor and nothing else. Students may progress to work on a special machine created by Pilates called the Reformer. Despite its name, the Reformer has nothing in common with a medieval torture device. Rather it is a system of springs, straps and a sliding seat that allows the student to work without putting unneeded pressure on the joints. Several gyms in Moscow offer the Reformer as part of their Pilates program. Though Pilates is rather new to Moscow, the city has a slew of highly qualified instructors and an ever-increasing number of die-hard followers. The following fitness centers offer various Pilates setups:
Gold’s Gym 31 Leningradsky Prospekt (M. Dynamo) 931-9616,
Orange Fitness
Ozdorovitelny Kompleks na Kuznetskom
Petrovka Sports
SM-Sport
World Class Fitness Centers
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