Classical Pilates for Modern Life

The simplest example of isometric contraction comes when holding a plank or wall squat our muscles flex to hold a position. When we hold our abdominal muscles, inner thighs, and glutes contracted during the Pilates “Hundred” exercise we are also performing an isometric exercise. 

But holding our muscles in a contracted state is hard work. That may be one of the reasons why it provides benefits because when we hold a muscle contraction, it restricts the blood flow to those muscles. Then, when we stop the exercise, the rush of red blood cells stimulates the lining of our arteries to produce nitric oxide, which causes the blood vessels to relax and widen. As a result, the blood pressure decreases.

The Classical Pilates method is a system of isometric exercises arranged into specific sequences on Mat and Reformer (Mr. Pilates did not arrange his Cadillac and Chair exercises into a sequence). 

Every Pilates exercise begins with an isometric contraction of some of the muscles or all of them simultaneously. We engage (contract) abdominals, glutes, hamstrings, inner thighs, triceps, lats, and spine extensors throughout the choreography of various exercises. We also breathe while moving, which improves the results tenfold.

The essence of classical Pilates is:

Contract the muscles isometrically and move through the choreography while you maintain the contraction.