A Pilates-based Workout Can Change Your Life

On Center Conditioning, Orange County's Premier Pilates Center

Looking for an alternative to mindless repetitions in the gym? Tired of spinning in the dark? You might want to look into the effectively intense method of body conditioning known as Pilates (pi-LAH-tees).

Today you can find Pilates all over the news, riding the wave of popularity like never before in its history. Why? Because today's health-conscious public is discovering what dancers, athletes, rehabilitation therapists, and a coterie of aficionados have known for decades: that the results of Pilates conditioning are immediate and noticeable. Often referred to as a form of "active yoga," Pilates is mentally as well as physically beneficial.

For us body-conscious southern Californians, there are tales of dramatic changes in body mass and tone. Reports of dropping a full size or two in as little as six weeks -- without sacrificing any of the major food groups -- are common. Equally salacious are the tales of slenderized hips, shapely calves, leaner thighs, and inevitably, tighter abs.

"Fitness is the first requisite to happiness." Joseph Pilates (1880-1967)
German-born Joseph Pilates, a former boxer and circus performer, began developing his system of precise, controlled movements using special spring-driven apparatus while serving as a nurse in the first World War. Pilates has been popular with dancers since the 1920s when they discovered that Pilates developed well-toned, elongated muscles without adding bulk. Joseph Pilates opened his New York fitness studio and built a devoted clientele with some of the most famous names in American dance: Martha Graham, Jerome Robbins, and George Balanchine, to name a few.

Because of Pilates' emphasis on proper posture, body alignment, and constant elongation, there are even reports of height gains -- up to a full inch. Inspired by all these claims of greater strength, flexibility, and mental balance (and yes, of course, the possibility of a leaner, taller moi,) I was determined to give Pilates a try.

Rael Isacowitz: Master Instructor

With Pilates' increasing popularity and new studios springing up left and right I was cautious that my initial introduction be with someone well schooled in "The Method." Eventually I found myself at On Center Conditioning in Newport Beach. Established by Rael Isacowitz, it is home to an exclusive, internationally acclaimed instructor training and certification program that attracts students from all over the world.

"We're very proud of our center. It is the culmination of over twenty years work; and for me, a dream come true," Mr. Isacowitz noted. "I am genuinely committed to helping our clients achieve their individual health and fitness goals, and we tailor programs specifically to meet these goals. Pilates is an exercise program that benefits people of all fitness levels, and is especially useful for those recovering from orthopedic injuries."

That's how San Francisco Giants catcher Brent Mayne discovered the rejuvenating effects of Pilates several years ago. Following off-season shoulder surgery, he needed to regain strength and mobility without jeopardizing the healing process. His physical therapist recommended that Mr. Mayne try Pilates.

"It was exercise that fit my needs at the time perfectly. I was able to work at my own level, and was surprised by how challenging some of the moves were," said Mr. Mayne. "I would walk out feeling invigorated and refreshed. And I'm convinced it speeded up my recovery."

The Thinking Person's Workout
Besides athletes and dancers, Pilates attracts a diverse mixture of the community, from professionals, business owners, and executives to retirees, moms, and students.

The main piece of equipment is called the Universal Reformer, a padded bed-like platform with a base that glides back and forth on a track. A variety of bar, pulley, and strap attachments enable you to execute the movements lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing. The degree of resistance for strength conditioning is determined by the number of springs attached for any given series of exercises.

During a semi-private session at On Center, an instructor guides you from one exercise to the next while roaming through the class, constantly monitoring students' movements. You'll hear gentle reminders like "shoulders down," or "engage your abdominals," or simply "breathe."

The On Center Conditioning studio environment is calm and yet charged with concentrated energy. Your program changes constantly. Different equipment is introduced, or more advanced variations of already-learned exercises can be added. So you're always learning new movements and working different muscle groups.

Pilates features precisely controlled movements that strengthen the body's core muscle groups
Mr. Isacowitz noted that there are six basic principles underlying an effective Pilates conditioning program: concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow, and precision. He explains that all the exercises incorporate a strong body center. They focus on strengthening the pelvic, abdominal, and back muscles, or feature precisely controlled leg and arm movements from a stabilized core. This in turn improves alignment and increases strength, balance, and flexibility.

Amazing benefits for us ordinary folk, too
When a professional ball player like Brent Mayne talks about fitness, you listen. But more and more the weekend warrior and the amateur gym member is discovering the benefits of Pilates.

A throw from a horse in September 1997 eventually led Carol Wallin to On Center Conditioning. "I had fractured my pelvis, scapula, and ribs," said Ms. Wallin. "After the initial recovery period, I was afraid that I'd never be able to fully resume my exercise routine."

After her introductory session with Mr. Isacowitz she knew Pilates was what she'd been looking for.

"I can't begin to tell you what a difference it's made," she said.

Dvora Tal, an internationally renowned concert pianist, and student of Mr. Isacowitz since 1996, credits Pilates-based training for enhancing her playing ability.

"My time spent here at the studio helps me prepare mentally for the piano," she said. "It makes you more conscious about your body, how you carry yourself; it makes everything else you do that much better. I'm more balanced, more centered. Ready for life."

Tom Moore began Pilates at the recommendation of his chiropractor. An avid surfer, volleyball player, and snowboarder, he started experiencing back and hip problems in his early 40s.

"I'm a true believer," said Tom. "I've been coming twice a week for almost two years and my back and hips never bother me any more."

Other athletes who have benefited from Mr. Isacowitz' discerning eye include Brian Lewis, Craig Moothart, and Leiff Hansen. As has Dr. Daryl Chinn, a radiologist at Hoag Hospital. Daryl has been doing Pilates for three years together with his wife Jacque and son Greg, who is one of the top canoeists and an Olympic hopeful.

As for my own experience, yes, it was truly inspiring. In just six weeks, going two to three times a week for a one-hour semi-private session, my body and my outlook changed dramatically. I went from a size 10 to a size 6 to 8 without losing any weight, felt like I was walking taller, and lost track of how many people asked what I had been doing to look so terrific. I think the difference is, I actually looked forward to going to my sessions, and left feeling better than when I walked in. Best of all, I feel like I've found a form of exercise I can life with for the rest of my life. For the best of my life.

A previous version of this article was published in Singles Lifestyles magazine under the byline Sheryl Bussard. It has also been published on numerous websites, including a Spanish translation.

For information about On Center Conditioning, please click here.