MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- In the 1920s a body-conditioning enthusiast created a phenomenon in the art of physical fitness that has continuously increased in popularity and effectiveness over the years. Now, his concepts of fitness have made their way from New York to MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, and are being used in conditioning routines at the Semper Fit Center here.
The accomplished skier, gymnast, diver and boxer sought an exercise system that focused on improving flexibility and strength for the entire physique without building muscle mass. This concept that was designed from years of research and experience is known as the Pilates Method.
Created by Joseph H. Pilates, physical trainer and founder of the Pilates Studio, the method combines a stress-free mentality with controlled movements to engage the body and mind in an effort to promote a healthy physical condition.
The German native founded his unique style of body conditioning after an exercise apparatus he had designed for immobilized patients. The original inspiration consisted of springs that attached to hospital beds and served as the foundation for the specialized exercise apparatus that is now used in the Pilates Method of fitness exercising.
Service and family members aboard K-Bay can experience the effects of Pilates on a monthly basis at the Semper Fit Center.
Pilates instructor Patricia Salvani has been involved in the fitness program for 10 years. She discovered Pilates when she was traveling around Europe and Italy where the methods are practiced much more frequently than in the United States.
"I was always interested in working out and improving my flexibility," said Salvani. "It is something I enjoy doing and Pilates gives me the best results."
According to Salvani, you can strengthen your muscles by working with weights, but you won't understand the way your muscles work until you are involved in something like Pilates. She explained that once you learn more about flexibility, abdominals and the powerhouse muscles, then you build your body from the strongest part, the center, and outward.
Students at the Semper Fit Center give Salvani a lot of feedback from the classes, she said. She then takes that information into consideration when deciding exactly what exercises will be used that night.
Salvani's class is for anyone, from the beginning Pilates student, to the experienced fitness guru. The level of difficulty is up to each participant.
"In Pilates, blocks and wraps are used to stretch and strengthen a person's muscles," explained Salvani. "There are different techniques that can be done using the tools to increase the difficulty of an exercise."
The blocks are used primarily to sustain the spine, and the wrap is used as a strengthening and stretching tool to increase flexibility in the hamstrings and pelvis. But no matter how flexible you are, you can definitely benefit from this class, she said.
"If you really want to keep in shape, no matter what age you are, it will help to keep your self esteem up while also strengthening your muscles," she said. "I encourage anyone to come and try it; you don't need any prior knowledge or experience. Just come out and have a good time."
For more on the Pilates program, call (808) 254-7597. Classes run in hour-long sessions. Dates and times are available in brochures at the Semper Fit Center.
Pilates participants should wear clothing that allows for free movement of all limbs.