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In recognition of YSU’s first graduating class from the new Master of Athletic Training program, and in anticipation of the upcoming calorie-filled holiday season and the still-to-come New Year’s resolutions for 2019, we thought we’d turn to someone in our newly named Department of Kinesiology and Sports Science to talk about an exercise method that, while more than 100 years old, is surging in popularity in recent years. Here’s C.J. Moser-Flately, a part-time YSU faculty member and a YSU Exercise Science graduate who has been practicing and teaching Pilates for nearly 20 years:
Q. What is Pilates?
A. Pilates is a method of exercise developed in the late 1800s in Germany by Joseph Pilates. It is very much like Yoga in its style and, although it works and strengthens the entire body, the focus tends to be on the core or abdominal/low back area.
A. Oh, where do I begin? Joseph Pilates was a genius and developed many of his exercises when he was very young due to being born with several diseases and thus having a scrawny physique. It is like no other form of exercise and truly must be experienced to believe what it can do. It helps with so many areas: flexibility, strength, balance, mobility, coordination, etc. Joseph believed the whole world needed his exercises, and I tend to believe him.
A. One reason is you need no equipment other than a mat. Also, it is the type of exercise that although challenging for all, it does not really hurt. You also do a large amount of the exercises lying down, so people like that idea. I tell my students: even if we only do 10 minutes, I guarantee you are going to walk out feeling better than when you came in.
Q. Everything we see on TV about Pilates seems to show only leotard-clad supermodels. Who is typically best suited for a Pilates program?
A. Absolutely anyone who wants strength! Pilates knew that abdominal and low back strength were key. If your core (low back/abs) is strong, then you can walk better, run better, sleep better, the list is endless. It’s great for everyone-men, women and even people in their 90s. In fact, I went to my first class in 2000 while pregnant with my first child. I fell in love with it.
A. Pilates is an entry level class. We have up to 25 students at a time, and we usually fill two classes every semester. We get a wide range of students - many who have never worked out before, older adults, members of all of the athletic teams, and staff. I have had kids take the class 2-3 times because they like it so much.
Q. What’s the future of Pilates?
A. Well, it’s been around a long, long time. It’s certainly not a fad. It’s the real deal. I would no way continue something for 18 years that didn’t have huge value. No one has time to waste on fads that are not helping them.