What Is Supreme Pilates?

Pilates, a technique once used by athletes and dancers, has become a household name. There are classes in almost every gym and health club, and there are even studios that specialized in Pilates. This form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, involves both floor exercises as well as spring-loaded machines. With its popularity on the rise, there are now many different variations on Pilates exercises and varying types of equipment; Supreme Pilates is one of those variations.

  1. Identification

    • The Supreme Pilates training system was developed by Ellen Croft. Ellen started her career as a horse training assistant. She then began studying Pilates. Now, with 25 years of Pilates teaching experience, she eventually developed this system. The idea for her equipment came from a desire to create a machine that mimicked typical Pilates machines, such as the Cadillac and Reformer, but that was geared to home use.

    Features

    • The Supreme Pilates training system involves both floor exercises done on a mat and exercises done on her specially designed machine. This machine is smaller and less expensive than the traditional Pilates Cadillac. It is perfect for home use as you can still get many of the same benefits, and can also fold to save space. Her system includes cards and videos to help guide the exercises. There are often specials advertised that include meal plans and additional training videos and DVDs.

    Considerations

    • Pilates is a comprehensive exercise program that is different from the traditional calisthenics-type exercise done in gyms. In Pilates, the focus is on doing each movement with precision and control. The heart of Pilates is its attention on connecting mind and body and moving with awareness. Pilates advocates strengthening the core muscles of the body, which include the upper and lower abdominals, the obliques or waist muscles and the lower back. Many times chronic back and neck pain can be due to weak abdominals, a tight low back and chronic poor posture. When you strengthen the midsection of your body you develop the needed muscles to support your back during everyday activities and you automatically correct your posture and move with more ease.

    Benefits

    • The regular practice of Pilates will help you strengthen and tone your legs and back and develop a flatter stomach. It also helps to stretch and lengthen the muscles improving flexibility and posture. Practicing Pilates will help you to become more aware of how you are moving, so the exercises are really effectively targeting specific muscles. The Supreme Pilates training system gives you access to some of the same benefits as going to a Pilates studio with its specially designed machine and instructional videos.

    Warning

    • Working out at home is a great option for many due to finances, busy work schedules and family commitments. However, it can also set you up for injury. If you are new to exercise or new to Pilates, it is always best to take at least some classes with an instructor who can watch you and make sure you are not hurting your back and joints. It takes time and proper instruction to learn to move with awareness and effectively isolate the correct muscles. After working with a qualified instructor, you can then transition to a home-based workout once you are knowledgeable and able to do the exercises with correct alignment.