Pilates or Poolates??

Pilates

Both water pilates and Poolates draw on fundamental pilates principles and build core body strength while enhancing flexibility, coordination and posture.

“Poolates is a whole new way to use the pool,” Pfeiffer says. “It is all about precision and control, and very much mind–body. If you are not concentrating, you are not doing it right.”

For example, when participants stand on one foot, slowly moving the other leg, they must focus on keeping the trunk straight. That requires contracting abdominal and deeper core muscles to stabilize the body, which benefits the back and posture, Argo explains.

Water’s buoyancy makes the movements and maintaining core position harder. It creates more resistance. Rollers and dumbbells can add to the complexity and produce a more challenging routine.

“The strength in the body goes out to the arms and legs,” says Mary O. Wykle, Ph.D., professor of physical education at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, VA. “Without a strong core, there’s no sense strengthening anything else, because you would not be in the right body position.”

Throughout the session, movements remain fluid, flowing from one to another as the person purposefully breathes in and out. Incorrect postures can cut off the natural flow of breath, Wykle says.

“So many participants take the work back into their lives,” Pfeiffer explains. “People have better posture. They breathe better and have more energy with Poolates because they remain upright and can fill their lungs more. They also have better balance on land.”

Argo reports that pilates helps develop elongated, toned muscles that shave years off one’s appearance. Wykle adds that it strengthens muscles that flatten the abdomen.