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Pilates for Men
Series -
Introduction
By Mike Gullickson
Concentrating on a stronger core
By focusing on core strength development, Pilates cultivates whole-body fitness, improving overall strength, balance
and flexibility in day to day life.
Believe it or not, Pilates was
invented by - wait for it - a man.
Born in Germany in 1883, Joseph
Pilates was the son of an award-winning
gymnast father and a naturopath mother.
Between his father’s devotion to physical
ÀWQHVVDQGKLVPRWKHU·VIDLWKLQWKHERG\·V reminders to breathe, breathe deeply and
ability to heal itself, you could say the
JURXQGZRUNIRU3LODWHV·ÀWQHVVWKHRULHV Seated on large multi-colored balls,
was in his DNA.
The six basic principles of Pilates are as
follows:
1) Concentration on your body
2) Controlled movement
3) Moving from the core or “center” of
the body
(IÀFLHQWÁRZLQJPRYHPHQWV for balance exercises.
5) Precision of movement
6) Breathing to improve oxygen intake
and circulation
Pilates for Men Series - Introduction had
all those principles in effect. Students at
all levels of expertise were able to adhere
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
PHOTO BY SHERRY MCRAE
to the main values of the class. Instructor Pilates for Men Series -
Nancy Scott offered verbal and tactile Introduction
feedback while emphasizing the course’s
main goals: strengthening the core for Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
improved coordination and balance. Cowan Creek Fitness Center
Nancy demonstrated how each exercise This introductory Pilates class is for
was performed while continually offering men only. It offers a great workout
by improving your balance, core
tighten abdominal muscles. VWUHQJWKSRVWXUHDQGÁH[LELOLW\
while working on your abs and
back.
attendees began with seated hip rolls
while music played in the background. work within his limitations. Through
Nancy reminded participants to listen deliberate movements such as leg lifts,
to their bodies, and declared that if it calisthenics and more, participants
improve balance, flexibility and core
GRHVQ·WIHHOULJKWGRQ·WGRLW,ÀJKWWKDW strength. Pilates can also be used to help
exact battle every morning as I’m getting with back pain.
out of bed. Posture is also emphasized This men-only class will be offered on
at different points throughout the class, Thursdays, starting November 5 from
like when everyone was “up against the 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Cowan Creek.
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Concentration, something all of us could
use, was a major part of each movement,
allowing each person to understand and
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