Similar to land-based Pilates training, the Pilates Power workout is entirely focused on training the powerhouse of the body with core-centric exercises. Using a pair of foam dumbbells and a noodle, this mind & body pool workout starts with a series of basic Pilates exercises and then progresses to planking and teaser challenges. Designed to provide core endurance and strength, these Pilates water exercises can help improve your efficiency in other exercise or daily activities.
Pilates Power is part of the Peyow Aqua Pilates program, which is an accredited course for physical therapists, hospitals and fitness professionals. Peyow Aqua Pilates founder, Anne Pringle-Burnell, is a faculty/education provider for numerous fitness and therapy organizations, including ATRI, AEA, ACE, Stott Pilates and more. She also developed the Stronger Seniors ™ Workout Program, a chair-based exercise program that includes several DVDs and videos. Anne lives in Chicago and is also a jazz performer, along with her husband.
According to Peyow Aqua Pilates, there are several compelling reasons to participate in Pilates training in the pool.
- Focus on Breath & Posture - correct alignment and breathing releases muscular tension and increases lung capacity.
- Stability & Balance Training - learn to balance against the water’s forces in a safe environment, which is ideal for fall prevention
- Enhanced Flexibility – increase joint range of motion and improve muscular flexibilty with Pilates exercises.
- Core Strength - all exercises are core-centric, originating from the center or core of the body and they help to strengthen muscles of the spine, pelvis, hips and abdominals, also known as the “powerhouse.”
- Rehab/Recovery – Pilates training can be used to recuperate from injury or for post-rehab.
- Low Impact Fitness - the spine and the joints are unloaded in the water, which makes the movements non-compressive.
- Beginner to Advanced – All fitness levels are welcome. The intensity is individualized and suitable for special conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, stroke, cardiac, obesity and PTSD.
One of the key tenants of Pilates is to stabilize before you mobilize. According to Anne, in order to get the most out of Pilates training, the core, alignment and breath must first be established. “I always encourage my clients to start slow, stabilize, and then once they have proper form, I encourage them to increase speed and range of motion,” says Anne. Following along with Pilates Power in your pool is like having a coach right there with you because Anne emphasizes breathing and form cues. Watch Anne talk more about the Pilates Power workout in the video below.
The kind of training experienced in Pilates Power can help improve core strength and endurance, which can transfer to other types of exercise and activities of daily living. A stronger core improves posture and can help prevent injury to the spine. Essentially every activity we do emanates from the core, the powerhouse of the body.
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