"Often men who have been accustomed to work hard on a farm or play hard in school athletics or labor hard in a factory, continue eating hearty meals they then ate even though now they are engaged only in sedentary indoor occupation where moderate meals are indicated."
- Joseph Pilates
Amazing, even 66 years ago, Joe hit the nail right on the head.
According to a story published by CNBC in March of 2010, the annual Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association’s Sports Fitness and Recreation Participation Overview listed Pilates as the fastest growing activity in the country. "With 8.6 million Americans participating in ’09, it’s up 456 percent since 2000."
The rise of Pilates popularity in the last 20 years has made the method appear decidedly "feminine". Most studios gear their marketing toward women, and men sometimes assume that it's just not for them, because there are no free weights involved. The truth is, Pilates was developed by a man - Joseph Pilates early in the 20th Century. Joseph originally called his method of movement Contrology, and published his book Return to Life Through Contrology in 1945.
While a typical mat class would not use free weights, the method is designed to build both strength and flexibility together - stability and mobility. You've seen that guy in the gym with the jug of water and the TAPOUT sweatshirt on - he can't lift his arms over his head, can he? I'm not knocking it, but at some point, traditional weight training can be wonderfully supplemented by Pilates (and Yoga for that matter).
If you think MMA fighters aren't incorporating exercises like Pilates core moves into their workouts, you're in denial. Fighters Diego Sanchez, as well as both Nogueira brothers have been rumored to incorporate both Pilates and Yoga into their routines. There is no doubt others do as well, though it's likely just called a "core routine" in the gym to save face.
Don't follow MMA? A few names like Curt Schilling, Jason Kidd, Tiger Woods, and Ruben Brown might ring a bell. Yup, they have all cited Pilates as an integral part of their training routines.
Grab your gym shorts and tube socks and get your ass down here.
www.OxygenMindandBody.com
Our schedule is online, first class is free.
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