What is Pilates Anyway?
What is Pilates?
Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates is a system of comprehensive, whole-body exercises that emphasize breath, concentration, center, control, precision and flow. With more than 500 low impact flowing movements, pilates promotes mental focus to achieve proper breathing, correct postural alignment and smooth execution of movement.
What health benefits can be achieved with Pilates?
Many people ask what the health benefits are from doing Pilates. A good Pilates practice focuses on core strength, posture, and flexibility, along with stress reduction and an overall sense of well-being.
Good posture - Pilates will teach you to gain and maintain good posture. The exercises require that your body is always in alignment. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from lower back pain.
Muscle Tone - The exercises involve the precise use of movement to “wake-up” muscles that you may not use on a daily basis. Because of the structure of the Pilates Method, overall general muscle tone is easily achieved. This is especially good for older people and those who are normally quite sedate in their daily life as muscle tone changes due to age or inactivity.
Flexibility - As we age we tend to lose the flexibility we had when we were young. Pilates will help you restore and perhaps even gain more overall flexibility.
Overall body movement - Through the mind-body connection which is taught in Pilates you will become much more aware of how your body moves and performs.
Reduces stress - Pilates places a lot of emphasis on movement and breath. When doing the exercises, your mind will be engaged in the movement and proper breath pattern; you'll be more focused on your breathing and on the moves that you are making with your body. This is an excellent way to relieve stress.
Gives you a general sense of well-being - Because Pilates focuses on providing a balance between your mind and body it gives you an overall sense of well-being.
Will Pilates Help You to Lose Weight?
Pilates is a muscle strengthening form of exercise that can help you to trim and tone certain areas of your body especially your stomach, legs, and butt. Classes can be tailored to offer either a gentle exercise program for providing core strength, flexibility, and balance or a complete workout for a more rigorous exercise program.
What is the Difference Between Yoga Classes and Pilates Classes?
Although there are similarities between yoga and Pilates as they both focus on the mind-body connection, yoga tends to focus more on spiritual well being. Pilates is a more physical program that focuses on toning and strengthening the whole body to improve general fitness and overall well-being.
Can Anyone Do Pilates?
Because Pilates can be modified to provide either a gentle strength training program or a challenging workout, it is suitable for ALL people. From beginners to professional athletes, Pilates can help you move and change your body for overall increased health. Ready to learn more?
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