Pilates is a system of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates, a German fitness trainer, in the early 20th century. He created the exercises while he was in prison in the UK during World War I. After the war, he improved the program and brought it to the United States. He taught students in a studio with his wife in New York City.
Pilates classes have always been popular with dancers. In the mid-2000s, the exercises became more and more popular with the public. Many people are attracted to Pilates because it is a form of exercise that can build strength in the body without creating large muscles. Also, the exercises improve flexibility and stability.
There are six main principles in Pilates: centering, concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flow. Unlike other exercises, it is more effective to perform each Pilates movement once or twice, with good form and deep breathing. Pilates mainly trains the core muscles, which are the large muscle groups around the stomach, hips, and back. The classes usually use equipmentsuch as foam rollers, resistance bands, and Pilates mats.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
●
studio
[ˋstjudɪ͵o]
n. 播音室；工作室；攝影棚
This recording studio is fully equipped.
這間錄音室的設備很齊全。
The artist used this abandoned warehouse as his studio.
這名藝術家把這座廢棄的倉庫當作工作室。
高中 Level 3
●
strength
[strɛŋθ]
n. 力量；優點
Operating this machine requires skill more
than physical strength.
操作這臺機器需要的技巧比體力還多。
Please analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this proposal.
請針對這個提案分析它的優缺點。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
strengthen
[ˋstrɛŋθən]
.vt. 鞏固，加強
You can try watching English TV programs to strengthen your listening ability.
你可以試著看英語電視節目來增強聽力。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
muscle
[ˋmʌs!]
n. 肌肉（可數）
To tone up your muscles, you should exercise on a regular basis.
為了鍛鍊你的肌肉，你應該規律地運動。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
principle
[ˋprɪnsəp!]
n. 原則，原理；道德原則，行為準則
I agree with you in principle; it is your method that I disagree with. 原則上我同意你；我不同意的是你的方法。
You can trust Ned. He’s a man of principle.
你可以信任奈德，他是個有道德準則的人。
多益金色
英檢初級
高中 Level 2
●
breathing
[ˋbriðɪŋ]
n. 呼吸
You have to focus on breathing when you are exercising.
當你運動時,你必須專注於呼吸。
●
perform
[pɚˋfɔrm]
vt. 執行；履行
vi. 表演；表現
The surgeon has performed this operation before.
該外科醫生以前動過這種手術。
The teacher told us to perform our civic duties.
老師告訴我們要盡市民的義務。
The young actor performed with such zest that there is no doubt that he will be awarded the prize for the most outstanding actor in the play.
這名年輕男演員的演出如此賣力，他將獲頒此劇的最佳男演員獎是無庸置疑的。
Much to my surprise, most of the students performed very well on the exam.
很讓我驚訝的是，大部分的學生這次考試表現得很好。
高中 Level 3
●
concentration
[͵kɑnsɛnˋtreʃən]
n. 專心，專注；集中
=
focus
A beautiful woman walked by and disturbed Joe’s concentration.
一位美女走過，使喬分心。
The researchers did a study on population concentration.
這些研究人員作了一項有關人口集中的研究。
Six million Jews died in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
二次大戰期間，有 6 百萬猶太人死於納粹集中營。
高中 Level 4
●
precision
[prɪˋsɪʒən]
n. . 精確性
The professor chose his words with precision.
這位教授用字遣詞很精準。
高中 Level 6
●
equipment
[ɪˋkwɪpmənt]
n. 裝備（集合名詞，不可數）
This camera is the most important piece of equipment I have.
這臺相機是目前我擁有最重要的一項配備。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
Practical Phrases
●
be good for...
有益於⋯⋯
Eating vegetables daily is good for your health.
每天吃蔬菜有益於你的健康。
●
be popular with / among
受……的歡迎
Rap and R&Bare popular withyoung people.
饒舌歌和 R&B 受年輕人的歡迎。
