What is Pilates Good For?
Joseph Pilates founded the Pilates exercise method. He started out life weak and with many different childhood conditions such as asthma. Rather than accept his condition as life long, he took up sports and learned many, eventually becoming a very good athlete. However, that wasn't why he developed the program, but perhaps it was why he believed it was important.
He later became a nurse in Great Britain during the First World War. He knew there was a way to help the immobilized soldiers and set about to design resistance equipment and exercise techniques to aid them. The mat exercises focus on the torso. You may recognize some of the movements from either Chinese martial arts or Yoga. He also included the exercises on the equipment and included a focus on the body mind connection. He did this through concentration exercises, those of control, breathing and the use of flowing movements.
Benefits of Pilates
You don't have to be a professional dancer to benefit from Pilates. In fact, if you're out of shape, you'll find it's a great way to start back into exercise. Since it doesn't add stress on the joints, ligaments or cartilage, it's easier on the body for those out of shape. The exercises are almost like physical therapy rather than muscle pounding exercises.
You'll develop more flexibility of the spine and that gives you more space between your vertebrae and makes you more mobile AND TALLER! It helps prevent degenerate spinal problems and allows you to move far more gracefully than before you started Pilates.
Because of the increased movement causing increased circulation, you'll notice that you think better and have a better outlook on life. It's a great way to work off tension that causes many illnesses. You'll also notice you have less pain and stiffness when you move and you're more coordinated. The coordination comes from the Pilates stabilizing your core and keeps you moving smoother because your spine is stronger and more supple.
New mothers find that Pilates helps them return to their previous shape, or better, far faster than if they didn't take the classes. It flattens the tummy because it focuses on the core area. It doesn't take long before they're wearing their pre-pregnancy clothing and that ball of flesh called a belly that remained after the birth of the child is now tight and firm.
The Key to Pilates
Almost all Pilate's movements occur in the abdominal or core area. They start there and end there. Strengthening these muscles gives more power to other areas of the body such as the legs and arms. Because of this, leaning how to move the muscles in the core area is of the utmost importance. It is the focus of Pilates and area all the benefits first start. Of course, you have to learn how to hold your feet during exercise as well as other body parts, since these movements affect the muscles that receive your focus.
Who Benefits?
Anyone who wants improved posture, strength, body shaping and a flatter stomach can benefit from Pilates. Anyone wanting to experience the rejuvenating effect of increased blood circulation and stronger core muscles can also benefit from Pilates. Of course, that includes just about everyone.
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