Although Pilates hit the mainstream years ago with dancers, only recently has the who's who and those in the "know" take to the ever-challenging study of Pilates. I say "study", because in fact one can never master Pilates. One can only feebly attempt to maintain a sort of consistency with its execution. Unlike yoga, Pilates not only targets flexibility, but it challenges your core. The delicate dance between balance and control is the bread and butter of this art form. Working in a dynamic medium, Pilates makes you feel as if you've never had control of your body, but that your body had control of you.
Every surfer secretly wishes they were stronger and more flexible. Not only does Pilates target these areas; but spending more than half your life in an extended (arched) position paddling for waves, surfers eventually suffer from either lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and/or a strained/pulled muscles attempting a maneuver they saw on a surf video. Pilates is a proactive solution to these sorts of injuries and is also used to assist in the rehabilitation of such misfortunes. These are simply a few reasons why Pilates in creeping its way into the surf culture.
Pilates is the only art form that focuses on the alignment of your back by strengthening your core, while gaining the flexibility in order to execute a sliding lay-back without straining every back muscle you can imagine. Hence, more and more surfers find themselves walking into a Pilates studio rather than chanting their way to radical drops and controlled airs. The two way stretch found in each exercise and the controlled resistance created by your own body is what makes Pilates the most rewarding and exhaustive workout found in today's society. In doing so, your muscles become leaner and stronger. The Hulk, while impressive, will never be able to perform those epic Curren cutties and the ever so stylish Jordy floaters. Bulk muscle perpetuates tightness and wear and tear on joints and ligaments.
Yes, anyone can study Pilates, but be warned it is not for the light-hearted. Athletes adapt the best, especially surfers since their understanding of body movement and energy is well versed. Perseverance and humility will be required and an intense mental focus in order to extract the best results from the study of Pilates; but you will walk out of the studio with the slightest shake (knowing you pushed yourself ), a form of mental fatigue and a centered feeling that lasts through your evening session.
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