Pilates Exercises
A Total Gym Workout With Pilates Exercises
You probably have heard of Pilates by now. This comprehensive system of mind-body exercise began with the principles taught by Joseph Pilates. Pilates helps to build strength without creating excessive bulky muscles. By creating a toned body with thinner thighs and a flatter abs, Pilates is a favorite for those who want a stronger body without looking like a body builder. The Pilates system includes the mind to teach body awareness, improve posture and lead to graceful movements. Pilates exercises create better flexibility and agility. It can even help ease back pain as well as other pains caused by stiffness. Many people have used Pilates for decades including dancers and athletes, who use it to build strength and flexibility to prevent injury. Several stars in the spot light use it to maintain beautiful, slender, toned bodies. Pilates, unlike other fad exercise programs, is a sensible exercise system using only a mat or a few pieces of simple equipment such as a ball or Pilates machine. Anyone, no matter your age or if you are at beginning or advanced physical condition, can use Pilates to improve fitness levels.
The benefits of Pilates are many. First, it is a refreshing mental workout as well as physical. Pilates helps you to focus your mind so that it becomes tuned in with your body. Because you have to concentrate on proper breathing, spinal and pelvic alignment, and smooth movements, you have to be aware of how your body is feeling. You will be more aware of where you are in space and how you are controlling your movement within that space.. The quality of each exercise is more important than the quantity. The focused breathing not only increases your energy, it also reduces stress. A second benefit includes building strength without building bulk. Instead, you will gain long, lean muscles that will give you that thin, sleek body build. Typical strength workouts build up the short, bulky muscles, which creates the body builder look. Pilates, on the other hand, lengthens and strengthens the muscles, improving elasticity and joint mobility, which helps prevent injuries. A third benefit is a strong core. This means a flat stomach and a strong back. The "core" is made up of the deep abdominal muscles and the muscles that run closest to the spine. by concentrating on the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle, you will gain control and strength of these core muscles. The benefit that athletes and dancers know about is the evenly conditioned body that can prevent sports injuries. In most strength workouts, weaker muscles tend to be underused so they get weaker while stronger muscles are used more and get stronger. This leads to an imbalance in muscular strength, which can cause injury and back pain. Pilates, however, strengthens the whole body from head to feet. There will not be any one muscle group over trained or under trained. Your entire body will be evenly balanced. Along with overall conditioning, Pilates exercises train to use smooth, continuous movements. Using these proper techniques, you will train your body to move safely and efficiently to further prevent injury. Pilates is a gentle, yet challenging, workout. Most of the exercises are carried out in a reclining or sitting position. Generally, the moves are low impact but partially weight bearing. You will feel like you've done a total gym workout because every part of your body has been challenged. The major difference is that Pilates is so safe. Many physical therapy facilities use Pilates to rehabilitate injuries. If you are extremely out of shape Pilates is flexible enough of an exercise system that you use modifications to compensate for your beginning status. Later, you can use other modifications to accommodate more advanced conditions. Sample the Pilates exercises that work the best for you and increase the intensity as you improve in strength and flexibility. |
