Stott Pilates- Variation in Pilate Workout
What is STOTT PILATES exercise?
Developed by former professional dancer Moira Merrithew, with input from sports medicine professionals, STOTT PILATES is a contemporary, anatomically-based approach to Joseph Pilates' original exercise method. Its exercises safely deliver optimal strength, flexibility and endurance, without adding bulk. This stress-relieving method can be performed on a mat or using dedicated STOTT PILATES equipment.
What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES Method and other Pilate’s techniques?
Unlike the original series of exercises, STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and performance enhancement. For example, unlike the original approach, which promotes a flat back, STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. They also place more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to make the method safer and more effective.
What are the benefits of STOTT PILATES exercise?
- Longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
- Improves postural problems
- Increases core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
- Helps prevent injury
- Enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
- Balances strength & flexibility
- Heightens body awareness
- No-impact, easy on the joints
- Can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
- Complements other methods of exercise
- Improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
- Improves balance, coordination & circulation
What are the principles behind the STOTT PILATES method?
STOTT PILATES exercise improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. It focuses specifically on:
- Breathing
- Pelvic placement
- Rib cage placement
- Scapular movement
- Head & cervical spine placement
Is STOTT PILATES exercise like yoga?
In some respects Pilates conditioning is like yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The difference is that while yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness.
Improve Posture STOTT PILATES exercise?
Much of Pilates exercise is mind-body conditioning which requires you to look within, focus on your breathing, and feel the subtle differences within your body. Many people come to a very meditative state while doing Pilates, and therefore will grow mentally and spiritually over time through this type of exercise. There are also incidences where by strengthening the abdominal muscles people have learned to maintain their stretch and thereby are measurably taller.
Physically, many people have been known to actually get taller by working out consistently. By emphasizing posture, you learn to stretch your spine through Pilates, and by strengthening the deep abdominals to support the rest of the body you learn to maintain your height effortlessly. The most impressive results are those reported by people who have slouched most of their lives and after a few months of practicing Pilates they are able to stand up much straighter, and are therefore measurably taller. Even people who have studied dance consistently for years before beginning a Pilate’s program have noticed an increase in their height over time.
Can pregnant women perform Stott Pilates?
In a normal pregnancy, exercises in moderate proportion are beneficial to a pregnant woman and the fetus, too. The exercises have to be customized depending on the period of pregnancy and the typical position. But a pregnant woman can certainly perform appropriate exercises under the guidance or supervision of an expert instructor. For more information, contact your medical practitioner before starting any exercise program.
Summary:
STOTT PILATES is the contemporary way to practice the Pilates exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates over 70 years ago. It is a fun way to look after your mind and body. It is due to organizations like STOTT PILATES that this fantastic method of body conditioning has been made more readily accessible to a much wider audience, rather than just elite sports people and the wealthy, as more instructors are trained and more studios open.
STOTT Pilates are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance muscles around the joints. STOTT Pilates is an anatomically based approach to Joseph Pilates original exercise method.
