Pilates for health...
The Pilates Method was first developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s by combining mind and body work through a controlled sequence of movements. Joseph Pilates developed these movements based on his own experiences with yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts, and other fitness techniques.
Most people, regardless of age and physical activity level, can benefit from Pilates exercise programs. Pilates classes not only have amazing health benefits, but also increase self-confidence and over all well-being.
Pilates movements also reduce stress and tension, increase energy, improve circulation and range of motion, and strengthen the spine improving flexibility, which promotes back health and recovery from injury.
Why is Pilates so beneficial?...
Firstly, Pilates strengthens the core of the body. It works the muscles in the back, tummy and rear. This core affects your entire body. You will be more stable when standing, walking and sitting. You will also have better posture when your core muscles are strengthened. And, of course, a strong core results in a smooth, toned tummy!
Once your core is strong, it is actually more comfortable to sit properly. When your posture improves as a result of a Pilates exercise program, you will find that your back is more comfortable. If your back is starting to arch, it is likely due to a compression of the spine. This is helped by Pilates exercises, because they lengthen the spine and encourage you to sit and stand with the spine in its correct alignment. If that sounds like torture, rest assured that with Pilates, it will be comfortable to sit and stand properly.
Pilates and the mind...
Pilates increases your mind body connection. In order to successfully perform a Pilates exercise program, you must have your mind engaged in the activity. You must concentrate on your breathing, which is an important part of Pilates. Some moves require inhaling, while others require exhaling. Proper breathing requires a mental focus that many other exercise programs do not require. This ability to focus is a tool that you can use in any area of life, not just your exercise program.
Pilates exercises create long muscles. Why is this beneficial? Because instead of working just one muscle group with your exercise, you work the entire body with just about every move. The focus is on controlling your body, not working it to death. This results in a pleasing look that is long, rather than bulked up. This is a major benefit of Pilates over most other strength training exercise programs.
Who can benefit from Pilates?...
Because there is no impact with Pilates, just about anyone can participate. Those with joint pain and other muscle issues can do the movements to their own level of control. They do not have to worry about impact on those sore muscles and joints, because there is little to no impact with Pilates. From senior citizens to growing children, all can benefit from Pilates exercises.
Finally, following a Pilates exercise program greatly increases your flexibility, while strengthening muscles at the same time. Many strength training programs only focus on strengthening, not flexibility. This creates muscles that are easily injured, because the tendons are so tight that they can easily snap. Pilates provides flexibility training in conjunction with strength training.
Joseph Pilates once said, "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body."
Pilates is recommended by health professionals...
Pilates is widely endorsed by health professionals the world over. It is widely used for the rehabilitation of a variety of conditions including back pain, postural problems, shoulder and neck tension/injuries, scoliosis, knee problems, tension headaches and repetitive strain injury. Pilates can also be adapted and beneficial both pre and postnatally.