Mr. Pilates talked about a concept called “uniform development”. What did he mean and what is the significance to us. First, I would like to acknowledge that when a person, like myself, tries to interpret someone else’s work we run into the fact that it is simply making conversation. To expect that I could sum up an idea that the inventor of developed his relationship to over the course of over 60 years is at least a little ridiculous. Im gonna give it a try anyway- I like a good conversation.
I believe, based on his writing and reinforced by people who knew him personally that Mr. Pilates’ thought that for us to reach our highest level of health, all of our muscles would be best served if they were utilized evenly- yes, balanced. But, lets think about this a little more. What does that really even mean. Balance, physical balance in particular isn’t simply just not falling down. Balance is, having no predisposition to be strong or weak in one way. “To not pursue a pet set of muscles” that are for show but, to be so evenly developed the you are “stronger than you look” but your strength is sensed because your movement looks easy yet, powerful. Free of involuntary impulses interrupting the free flow of your body. Appropriately flexible (more on this idea in future blog). Wildly coordinated. Its important to remember that strength, flexibility and coordination are coupled. I will get into this more in a future installment.
How does this happen? The natural movement found in a great athlete or an aborigine. You see, if you watch the Discovery channel you’ll see people who are living the life that we were physically designed to live. Lots of squatting (I mean heels down, feet on your butt kinda squatting), climbing, running, tribal dancing, singing and the like. These are the fundamental movements we were designed for.
How do we reclaim this type of “natural fitness”. Mr. Pilates could see where we were heading and developed his system of exercise to counter the effects of modern society. Mr. Pilates would watch you walk in the door and often invent an exercise to bring you closer to Uniform Development or Balance. He didn’t take you through a routine but, prescribe exercise like medicine. His wife wore a nurse uniform to teach Pilates in. He could see what you needed. This vision is his legacy. This vision is what makes Pilates so unique and so powerful.
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