This simple Finnish discipline comprises a series of exercises to lengthen and rebalance specific muscles.
Our bodies hold limitless possibilities - ask a ballet dancer, gymnast or athlete.
The tools that unravel the body's potential to transform its shape, heal and stay fit include the breath and controlled movements that stretch and balance the muscles.
Widely practised disciplines such as yoga, Pilates and the Alexander technique are founded on these tenets, as is Method Putkisto, a popular fitness system in both Finland and the UK.
Newby Hands, Director, Health and Beauty, Harpers & Queen, describes Method Putkisto as "...one of the most sensible, effective and body changing (if not potentially life and health-changing) methods of exercise I have tried."
"I developed the method of muscle balancing and body control when working at the Sibelius Academy (Finnish University of Music) and at the Finnish National Opera, as a movement and fitness teacher for dancers, singers and musicians. I have been practising it for more than 25 years, and continue to add new aspects to it," says Marja Putkisto, Finnish-born creator of the discipline, who established the Method Putkisto Institute in 1995 in Finland.
Valuable contribution
In 1997 the institute received an award from the Finnish government in recognition of the valuable contribution made by Putkisto towards increasing people's health and wellbeing.
Since then, Putkisto has trained more than 250 Method Putkisto instructors in Finland, the UK and the US, and sold over 200,000 copies of her books and videos.
Putkisto has studios in Richmond (UK), Helsinki and is also franchising the Method Putkisto Studio concept. There are also plans to open three new studios in Finland this year.
Putkisto says that techniques such as Pilates, Alexander Technique, traditional ballet, singing training, physiotherapy and sports medicine have influenced her method.
Personal experience
"Combining this knowledge with my personal experience and training as a fitness and dance teacher, I developed this unique technique of deep stretching, strengthening and breathing to achieve optimum muscular balance, good posture, and superior levels of physical performance, appearance, health and wellbeing." Method Putkisto approaches the body in a new way - it's basic and simple but offers stupendous results. Clients are taken through a series of exercises to lengthen and rebalance specific muscles.
The work is based on relaxation, using visualisation, breathing and the natural force of gravity. The programme has six main components including deep stretching, breathing and strengthening exercises, a warm-up and movement to music, visualisation, relaxation and awareness.
Proper movement
"Method Putkisto addresses one main factor: if muscles get tight they shorten, and this can prevent us from moving properly. By stretching one muscle group at a time and utilising breathing as an aid, we can elongate the tight short muscles until the body falls back into its neutral position. This neutral position is the starting point for every movement in Pilates, yoga or sport. Many of us cannot even reach the proper starting position," says Putkisto.
Breathing is also an important element in Method Putkisto. "By working on the breathing technique you can improve the quality of your life. You can have increased oxygen consumption and energy levels, alleviate headaches and tension in the neck, improve circulation and beat lung infections, among other benefits."
Rebalancing muscles
The method also tones the face. "Clients can both see and feel the results, as they are taken through a structured series of exercises to lengthen, strengthen and rebalance specific muscles of the head and face," she says.
Method Putkisto complements other fitness and body techniques and it can be used alone or in support of other methods that help the body to build flexibility and strength.
Putkisto has also written seven books in Finnish and published one in the UK called Method Putkisto - The Body Lean and Lifted to help people practise the method.
