What is Pilates? Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the
principles of Joseph Pilates. Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs, building strength without excess bulk. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain. Pilates appeals to so many people because the principals are applicable to all people of all fitness levels. Each and every one of us would benefit from better posture and improved levels of strength and flexibility. Pilates does this by targeting the muscles around the joints and helping to strengthen the body from the inside out. It strengthens the muscles that stabilize the spine such as the deep abdominals, the pelvic floor, and the deep back muscles. Regular practice can:
In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury. No other exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries. Pilates dramatically reduces the potential for injury by emphasizing quality movements rather than quantity. Focus and controlled breathing are essential elements that make Pilates a workout for the mind and the body. - from www.pilates.com |