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Step 1
Pilates called his program "Contrology" because it is based on the focus and controlling of the muscles with the mind. That's why Pilates is known as a "Mind Body Workout."
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Step 2
Research "dancer's workout." After the war, Pilates moved to New York where he opened a studio and started working largely with dancers. This is why Pilates is sometimes called the dancer's workout.
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Step 3
Explore the use of machines in fitness. The machines that Pilates developed during the war became part of the studio gear and can now be found in any formal Pilates exercise studio. They are there to make workouts more intense and to enable isolation of different parts of the body, especially the core. The machines are not necessary to get the full benefits of a Pilates workout.
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Step 4
Look up "Matwork" or "Pilates Mat" in the library catalogue. The Pilates matwork is done on a Pilates mat, which is pretty much the same as a yoga mat. The "Matwork" is a series of flowing moves that centres on the core. It is the basis for the Pilates exercise method.
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Step 5
Research newspapers and periodicals for lawsuits involving Pilates Certification. With the huge popularity of Pilates, there has also been a huge need for qualified instructors. Official certification to teach the Pilates Method is extremely expensive and time consuming. As a result many instructors have taken modified programs to teach matwork. This is a bone of contention with the Pilates elite and has resulted in lawsuits and dirty looks throughout the western world.
