Pilates: Your Path to Health

Pioneered by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, the Pilates method has become a popular form of exercise. It consists of about five hundred exercises that were designed to help the injured maintain physical fitness while recovering. More akin to yoga than aerobics, Pilates has numerous benefits for beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Ways to Do Pilates

Pilates exercises are most often performed on a mat. Unlike yoga, however, Pilates mat-work exercises are all performed in a sitting or reclining position. The resistance is provided by gravity and your own body weight rather than weights or a machine. This allows for the building of balance and coordination by building the core muscles.

There is also equipment that is designed for Pilates work. Most often used by those who want to focus on building strength, these machines provide added resistance. Equipment exercises may be used in addition to mat exercises to add variety and support.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is beneficial to the body in several ways. These include:

1. Pilates requires us to be more aware of our bodies. The exercises require unity between the body and mind, and this carries over into our daily lives. Those who do Pilates tend to have better posture, and their coordination is improved.

2. Core strength is greatly improved in those who practice Pilates regularly. The core includes the muscles deep inside the abs and back that attach to the spine or pelvis. These muscles help keep the body more stable and balanced. A strong core can help us perform better in physical activity and reduce our risk of injury.

3. Pilates are more focused on flexibility than bulking up. They help us develop muscles that are long, lean and uniform instead of short, bulky and hard. This factor also helps reduce the risk of injury, and it is good for the joints.

4. Pilates is ideal for those who need a gentle, low-impact workout. The Pilates method is often used in physical therapy to help build strength without requiring the patient to bear a lot of weight. Those who suffer from arthritis and other joint problems can also do Pilates safely.

5. One of the key principles of Pilates is proper breathing. This is necessary to maintain high levels of oxygen in the blood, increasing the removal of waste, and battling fatigue. The deep breathing associated with Pilates also works wonders against anxiety.

Pilates is great for both body and mind. Its focus on form and control can help us stay in great overall shape, and the methodical movements and breathing promote relaxation and concentration. If you’re looking for a way to build strength safely and efficiently, Pilates is right for you.