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When Joseph Pilates developed his exercise system in the early part of the 20th century, he began with exercises that used only a mat. Stretching and breathing is still the mainstay of Pilates and any weight training uses the exerciser's own weight in a resistance movement.
Although Joseph Pilates went on to develop several pieces of equipment, some very simple and some complex, it is possible to train with Pilates for many years without using any equipment beyond the mat. For those who want to work on strength development through resistance, simple equipment such as the Pilates circle can be used.
Circle of Strength
The Pilates circle was invented by Joseph Pilates himself. It is a circle a little over a foot in diameter with two grips located on opposite sides. Once an exerciser is past the beginner stage, he can use the circle to maintain the distance between arms or legs during a movement. Today, the Pilates circle is made of modern materials for better grip and ease of use. It is still used in the way that Joseph Pilates used it so many years ago.
The circle is used for the same purpose as most of the movements: to increase core (torso) strength, fluidity, stamina, balance, good breathing and flexibility. The main goal of Pilates is to unify the mind and body in order to bring the body under the full control of the mind.
The simplicity of Pilates exercises is intended to eliminate distractions as the mind is trained to direct the body in the precise movements and breathing choreographed by Joseph Pilates. The aim is whole body conditioning with an emphasis on alignment, centering (referring to the core), control, precision, breathing and fluid movement. These are the principles that run through all of the Pilates movements. The Pilates circle intensifies and advances what already exists.
With or without a Pilates circle, the result of the exercises should be increased flexibility, muscle tone, stamina, body awareness and, perhaps above all, mental concentration. In fact, Joseph Pilates originally called his regimen "contrology." Pilates avoids high impact work and heavy muscular or skeletal loading. The bulking up of other exercise programs goes against the discipline of Pilates as one of its points is to avoid injury. In Pilates, no pain IS the gain. Whether an exerciser is ready for the Pilates circle or is still building toward that, Pilates is a learning experience.
Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. You'll find a host of useful articles about Pilates listed on our site map at http://www.PilatesUnderstood.com.
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