Pilates is a widely known popular exercise format that has taken the fitness industry by storm. While its popularity is very wide spread there is still the question of what is Pilates and why should I participate in this type of exercise?
To answer the first question, what is Pilates? Pilates is an exercise format designed by Joseph Pilates which works to balance the body to strengthen core muscles (the muscles of the abdominals and back),
increase flexibility and body awareness to support proper movement, alignment and body mechanics.
The next question, why should I participate in Pilates? The answer is because Pilates has some great benefits which include:
1.) It is a gentle conditioning workout that doesn’t require the bouncing or jarring movements of other exercise formats and it produces phenomenal results.
2.) Improves mental function
and body awareness.
3.) Strengthens core muscles
(muscles of the
abdominals and back).
4.) Improves flexibility
5.) Improves posture
6.) Is an exercise for everyone
(from everyday people to
professional athletes).
The Benefits of Pilates
A Gentle Conditioning Workout
Pilates exercises are usually performed on a mat or on different machines designed for Pilates such as Reformers or Stability Chairs. Use of the mat or machines allows participants to execute exercises with a slow, controlled form and the guidance of the instructor which removes the jarring and bouncing motions that come with other exercise formats such as aerobics.
Improves Mental Function and Body Awareness
When going through a Pilates workout the instructor will use imagery to help participants understand and execute exercises. For example if the instructor wants the participant to tighten their abdominal muscle he or she may instruct the participant to “pull the belly button to the spine.” Using this type of instruction helps the participant visualize then execute the exercise.
Strengthens Core Muscles/Improves Posture
Pilates strengthens muscles of the abdominals and back by working the deep muscles of the abdominals and back. Another way of looking at it is Pilates works muscles from the inside out. Deep abdominal and back muscles help us to stand upright and stay balanced; when those muscles are strengthened we have better posture and function optimally.
Pilates Improves Flexibility
Pilates improves flexibility by utilizing exercises that work both sides of muscle groups while taking the muscles through full range of motion.
Pilates is a great exercise for everyone even professional athletes
Finally Pilates can be performed by anyone and is frequently used by professional athletes to improve their athletic function and performance. Examples of athletes who practice Pilates includes former Bulls player Scottie Pippen, golfer Tiger Woods, basketball’s Jason Kidd, offensive lineman Ruben Brown, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James just to name a few.
Now that you’ve found out what Pilates is, why you should participate in the practice and the professionals that engage in the exercise, I challenge you to give it a shot. Be it at your local park district,
in your gym or the comfort of your own home with a DVD, give Pilates a try and experience the benefits for yourself.
Perfect Workout!
Yvonne Bennett