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I came across yet another friend who has have spine condition and chronic back pain that really bother him and even affect his quality of life. Regardless the numerous recommendations his friends (aka me) and even doctors or physiotherapists gave, he is reluctant to try Pilates. He said his pastor is really against Pilates, yoga and Taichi kind of exercise.
This is a really a sad misunderstanding that some religious personels have on Pilates. This really stems from lack of understanding of what Pilates is really about.
Here is a Christian's perspective from "A Christian Response":
"So far, we found nothing of major concern regarding the history and practice of the Pilates Method. Though most accounts of Pilates’ life mentioned his adaptation of yoga positions in some of his exercises, there was no indication that the Hindu yogi philosophy was also grafted in. As with tai chi, the physical postures of yoga are not of themselves harmful—uncomfortable, perhaps, but spiritually innocuous. The danger in these practices lies in their religious and philosophical teachings, but there is no sign of such teachings in standard Pilates material."
However the website warned that while the "Pilates exercises themselves may be spiritually neutral, sometimes those that market Pilates material are not". So watch out if the person/ company that is selling Pilates material (whether the studios/ instructors/ DVDs/ books etc) are promoting beliefs that are contradictory to the central tenets of Christianity. Or if they have blended in methods that involve spiritual philosophies (such as hybrid program Yogalates / Yogilates). So before signing up any Pilates class, you might want to do some homework of reading up the provider's website, or speak to your instructor to understand their standpoint or if they have any intention in promoting their own religious beliefs in their pilates class.
6 comments:
I agree that there is a huge misunderstanding.
I am Roman Catholic, and many close friends and family have advised me against taking up yoga.
Yoga, although stemming from Hinduism, is about meditation, and praying to God. It itself does not dictate which God you are meditating to. It is about calming yourself, in order to gain some spiritual understanding, which I also think it has benefited many people, and its advantages should not be overlooked.
Pilates, stemming from an unreligious background unlike yoga, should not be justify Pilates as a wrong type of exercise.
As a Christian, I would say this, if you feel better about yourself physically [through Pilates], you will feel better spiritually too.
One can learn from other religions. In Singapore, we should be happy [somewhat] that we live in a multi-racial society where we are free [also somewhat] to learn from one another, and not restrict ourselves from learning about other religions, or learning an exercise that is beneficial.
:D
Thanks for approaching this subject!
Ros
This is 21st century, that'christian" should have his own thinking and judgment, we are given a brain for a reason, to reason and think. is very sad is he allow his pastor to influence his thinking!
and his pastor never go and find out fact and anyhow bomb....
pilates is a very good fountation base for all other exercises.
we do not need weight to work out,try to do pilates for 30min and one will sweat like pig.
yoga is harmful even if you are not praying to a hindu God or meditating. The moves in themselves are offers of worship to the hindu Gods, the chants and chakras are also religiously inspired "namaste" means something to the effect of: "i bow to the god in you" . Pilates on the other hand, is a ok.
I was once posted to the physiotherapist unit in my hospital and i found out that all physio exercises practices Pilates methods.
I was doing research on Pilates, whether it is something religious like Yoga and found out basically it began with a man who had come medical condition and started this Pilates thingy. This form of exercise is name after him. So i guess there is nothing wrong if a christian practise Pilates.
Hi there from London,
I am an experienced pilates teacher running my own clinic and I am Christian. I am also a professional dancer (ex) and now teacher. I recently attended Ellel Ministeries UK at Glyndley Manor and the pastor there John Berry, has explained to me why pilates is not christian or for christians - Pilates, prior to his death, was named 'Contrology' and it clearly states in Joe's book that Contrology was about controlling mind body AND SPIRIT. I think that's were they are getting their references from. Joes' book is called Return to Health Through contrology where you will find this explanation. I have osteopathic and physio referral through the national hospital service and the medical profession rave about the results. Based on the results alone, I am more for it than against it, but its unsettling when you have a senior pastor of 30year experience tell you otherwise. Comments welcome.
Hi to all =)
Be it the words contrology, the animals pose in yoga, or palm together... that doesnt matter alot! if you have a mind set of yours, "this is a movement with breathe and get you sweat it out and feel good". And that is all about you and physic. just stay focus with the workout as long you dont chant. If only i'm god, i will tell the rest to do what you feel good for your body as long it doesnt hurt yourself and others. Then i will be please as strong body will help me to be on earth to do better service to the rest. Hope all well =)
PS: we have so much to worry abt, so just free your mind.
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