Last night was a blast at the gym. So many people out to exercise makes me so happy. In this crazy (but wonderful) world, one thing we can control is our fitness program. Since so many situations are out of control right now, it's really important to feel in control of SOMETHING!
This was much of the theory behind Joseph Pilates discipline, that he called Contrology. Joseph wrote a great book called Return to Life Through Contrology back in the 1945 and reading it, he was right on the money about most everything (though we have learned a lot about the human body since then). There are one or two lines in there that show you just how much we have learned since then, but for the most part, it is an incredible read. It's more like a large pamphlet than a book and for anyone enjoying the Pilates (Contrology) journey, I highly recommend checking it out!
One of the guiding principles of Pilates is control. We can control our movements. We can also control our breathing. In doing both these things we can bring our bodies to a healthier, more balanced place. Many of his movements are based on yoga postures, so clearly yoga, too, has the same effects. I highly recommend practicing one or both of these disciplines in addition to whatever else your fitness routine includes. It will benefit you in ways you cannot imagine!
In every part of life, people keep trying to reinvent the wheel. Certainly in the fitness arena we have seen MANY trends come and go. When I first became interested in Pilates, many suggested it was a passing phase. I was pretty sure it was not only a passing phase, but one that had existed for many, many decades and was every bit as wonderful as it was for the soldiers and then dancers who learned it back in the early and mid 1900s.
Taking control of our bodies is not just good for our bodies. It is equally as good for our minds and our souls. As Joseph himself said so simply "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness."Get physical--get happy! I love it.
3 comments
Lisa
This article today has given me a reality check. Due to this broken foot and the hot weather, walking is out of the question. I certainly have other options that I WILL be practicing as soon as I send this comment. Love ya Bonz.
Lisa
Ohhh one other thing to share. You are such a wonderful person and I just love you so much. When this cast is off and i'm back to walking my 3 miles, I WILL be bringing a publix bag to pick up trash. That is such a great idea!
Judy Amberson
yesterdays classes were great! Todays as well. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the amount of people that showed up last night would come all the time? Ron would have to expand the gym (ha,ha), but what a fit group of people we would have! Thanks to you Bonni-classes are always enjoyable-I will miss my classes next week-will try to work in some workouts on the ship. See you when I get back.