The Simple Genius of Integration

“…,each muscle should cooperatively and loyally aid in the uniform development of all muscles” 

This is a quote taken from Joseph Pilates’ book Return to Life Through Contrology.  For me, this quote really sums up one of the most fantastic things about the Pilates system of exercise.  The integrated development of strength, flexibility and control.  Every part of our bodies interacts with, assists, and effects every other part of our bodies.  Some interactions are direct and others indirect, but everything is connected.  How many of us exercise out bodies with a clear understanding, focus, awareness, and dedication to working our whole body?  The standard approach today is to work parts of the body.  People work their legs, their arms, their abs etc.  I can honestly say from experience that the results for improvement of whole body functional strength and flexibility is far superior if your focus is always on your whole body.  Pilates isn’t the only exercise system that has this focus but it is certainly a brilliant one.  If you have already been playing with Pilates then you would know how difficult it is to this kind of focus when exercising, and how rewarding it is when you do:)  If you haven’t experienced Pilates yet then what are you waiting for?  

Working with and observing people at our centre in St Helens has been interesting.  Because we’re a gym, many people who use our facilities come in with a typical ’gym’ approach to exercise.  Most people would agree that uniform development of the bodies muscles is ideal, but in practise it seems, most people don’t do it.  One of the most obvious examples I see is the use of the abdominal muscles.  I have people who start Pilates who look strong, have strong abs, but they can’t peform many of the Pilates exercises well.  What they don’t have is uniform muscle development.  What they don’t have is control over their bodies.  What they don’t have is an understanding of how to get both those things.  In Pilates we consciousley work our abs when we work our arms.  We consciusley work our abs when we work our legs.  We always focus on the whole body.  It is simple, and it is genius.