What's So Simple About Pilates

What's So Simple About Pilates?

I know you have heard of the phenomenon in the exercise world called Pilates. Everyone today seems to be working a Pilates routine into their regular exercise program, from Hollywood celebrities to your neighbor down the street. The Pilates method, while over 70 years old, has gathered popularity in the United States, Europe, and all over the world, with little sign that it is losing momentum. I dare say that with its growing reputation, Pilates, with its controlled movements that condition the body, and strengthen the muscles is here to stay.

The Pilates method of exercise, while very physical is anaerobic exercise. That means it is not a cardiovascular workout, with all that huffing and jumping and sometime over-exerting yourself in the process. The Pilates method of exercising was designed as a system that will condition the body's core, the abdominal muscles, pelvis, shoulders and back, with balancing, stretching, and breathing. This type of workout has been recommended to add to a regular exercise routine that already had plenty of aerobic activity, as well as weight training or other resistance training. By adding Pilates to your exercise routine you can be sure to condition every part of your body, while calming the mind.

So, I'm interested. How does Pilates work?

Basically, the Pilates method combines breathing techniques with special stretches and machines to strengthen and elongate the muscles of the core, abdomen, pelvis, shoulders, and back. As I said before, Pilates is a way of exercise using controlled movements that make the core and the smaller muscles surrounding the core stronger and more flexible. Many consider Pilates to be more dynamic than Yoga, because the Pilates method pushes the body more with stretching and targets more by toning using flexibility, strength, and posture. When the participant in Pilates adds the use of specifically designed Pilates machines, they go through a series of systematic moves, while the machinery holds their torsos in place. This method moves their limbs in different directions, causing the participant to experience changes in strength, flexibility, and balance. Sometimes, these unusual positions use muscles that rarely are being targeted by the user's other exercise routines.

OK, What kind of benefits can I expect from Pilates?

The benefits to adding Pilates exercises to an exercise routine can be quickly and highly noticible. A lot of Pilates participants have said that with following a regular Pilates exercise routine, where they attend Pilates classes or sessions, their bodies get stronger, and feels more toned and better balanced after doing the Pilates methods only a few times. Many report a difference in their abs, backs, and legs right after they finish doing Pilates exercises. There are other benefits to the Pilates method of exercise, one of which is weight loss. Some have also reported, after trying Pilates exercises, an increase in their energy and feeling less stressed, with an increased sense of relaxation and well-being. Many participants of the Pilates method also have touted Pilates as a very gentle and effective exercise system, perfect for athletes recovery from illnesses, older people who may not be able to participate in anything more strenuous, and pregnant women who wish to stay in shape or get back in shape after pregnancy.

To sum it up, the benefits of the Pilates method of exercise are that they are great for: the abdominals, aligning the spine, helping with rehabilitation after injury, stretching and strengthening the body, pregnant women, older people, weight loss, boosting energy, and reducing stress.

I'm sold!

By choosing to put Pilates exercises into your exercise routine weekly, you have found a great way to supplement a well-balanced exercise plan while you are on your way to optimum health and well-being.