Hula-Hoop Pilates?

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 1001
Word Count: 438

Sunday, March 25th

There are so many fads in the Pilates market that it can sometimes be difficult to discern what is true Pilates. My humble opinion is to keep Pilates as true to the classical method as possible. I think props can really help to deepen the exercises, but these props must be given to clients at the appropriate time. Props should add challenge and dimension to the workout as opposed to becoming something "extra" that looks fun, sexy, cool or makes the exercise "easy". Hula-hoop Pilates.....I don't think so!

I did, however, need to do some more investigating about this Hula-Hoop Pilates phenomenon. I tracked down the article on msnbc.com written by Gina Lombardi. The main idea behind her article is a current trend at fitness clubs across the nation luring otherwise coach potatoes into the gym.

For instance, always the last one picked for kickball as a child? Kick back as an adult at Crunch Fitness Dodgeball classes where everyone can play and have fun! Similar classes are also offered at Equinox gyms. Instructors monitor vigorous Dodgeball games and make sure you leave with a sweat.
www.crunchgym.com
www.equinoxfitness.com

The Hula-Hoop Pilates classes are a mix of traditional Pilates exercises along with some hybrid core work using the hula-hoop, balls, bands and foam rollers. I am skeptical about how true to the Pilates method these instructors are teaching and think it should probably be called core hula-hoop instead of adding Pilates to the title. But, the marketing world knows what to call a class so that members will attend.

Punk Rope at the YMCA sounds fun.....tunes, jump ropes and sweat. This time you do not have to worry about getting pledges for Jump Rope For The Heart. Remember that from grade school? Hopefully my gym teacher's polyester shorts fashion retired with him and the instructors today are a little more fashion conscious. Hate the idea of coordinating with a rope? Try the Jump Snap class with Power Pilates very own, Susan Moran-Perich. Get your heart pumping, burn tons of calories with this handle that simulates a jump rope without the hassle of the rope!
www.powerpilates.com for information about Jump Snap classes.

Checkout the classes at The Gym (in Chicago and New York) that mix dodgeball, plyometrics, relay drills and more. www.thegym.com.

Get out, get to the gym or get to your own backyard to create your own playground workout. Remember, keep the hula out of Pilates, but use if for fun to challenge your core!

Rating: 5.00