Pilates and its Benefits
Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs
Whether you are new to exercising, a senior, or an elite athlete, Pilates applies to everyone!
Pilates For Men
The integrative component of Pilates can be especially beneficial for men, whose workouts often emphasize each body part to muscular development, such as what you find in a gym. Pilates, by contrast, emphasizes moving from the center of the body, the powerhouse, and developing core strength in the deep muscles of the center to stabilize the trunk and protect the back. This kind of core training makes Pilates an excellent technique for whole-body fitness, as well as a foundation for other kinds of sports, exercise and activities.
· Pilates for Special Concerns
In general, Pilates is appropriate for senior fitness. The ability to modify exercises along with the many benefits of Pilates, such as increased levels of strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, stamina, and well being, makes the Pilates method an appealing senior exercise program. Did you know that Joseph Pilates was in his eighties and continued to practice Pilates!
Creates Strength Without Bulk
In Pilates, there is not enough tension and force placed upon the muscle to “bulk up.” We work the muscles together as a team to reap the benefits of healthy muscles working together in tandem with all the other muscles of the body. When you walk, clean the house, grocery shop, or play with the kids, you are moving the body for a functional purpose. One must train this way in order to stay away from injury as we age. Pilates is functional fitness and provides the needs of a person as we move through life.
Increases Flexibility
In Pilates, particular exercises safely increase the range of motion within the joints. When a body is flexible, as opposed to stiff and rigid, we can meet the demands of movement of life and resist injury. This is a very realistic goal to want to achieve in your lifetime.
Develops Core Strength
The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. These are the muscles we rely on to support a strong back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns as we go about our day. When the core is strong, the frame of the body (AKA skeleton) is supported. This means the neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of the muscles and joints are freed to do their jobs -- and not more. A nice side benefit is that core training promotes the flat abs that we all talk about!
Improves Posture
Good posture is a reflection of good alignment supported by a strong core. Starting with Pilates movement fundamentals and moving through mat and equipment (i.e. reformer, bosu ball) exercises, Pilates trains the body for working in unison which promotes strength. You can see this in the beautiful posture of those who practice Pilates.
Pilates and Back Pain
Pilates teaches correct posture and helping people with back pain get relief from the
imbalances that cause back pain. What makes Pilates so effective is that it
addresses structural and musculature imbalances in the body that lead to back
pain. Issues such as lack of core support, pelvic instability, muscular imbalances,
poor posture, and lack of body awareness all contribute to a non-healthy back.
These are all issues that Pilates specializes in helping people improve.
Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance
If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating strong muscles and a leaner look; Pilates improves muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel fit!
If you want to lose weight, the formula for weight loss remains the same and always will…You must burn more calories than you take in. How do I burn more calories?
Increases Energy
Pilates gets your blood pumping and your oxygen pumping! It stimulates the spine and muscles and floods the body with feel-good endorphins one gets from exercising the entire body.
Pilates When You Are Tired
You can do Pilates if you are tired. Get ideas for how Pilates can help with
fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, stress, or just low energy.
Increases Body Awareness (Mind/Body Connection)
Joseph Pilates was adamant that Pilates was about "the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit." This is one of the foundations of Pilates; we practice each movement with focus. The Pilates principles -- centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow -- are key concepts that we use to integrate body and mind.
You must focus and concentrate. Pilates is about precision and mastering each and every move as you progress through your Pilates training!
Answer the questions or contact me now to get scheduled and started on your new transformation!