Pilates
What Is The Power Of Pilates?
With a repertoire of over five hundred exercises, Pilates is a physical fitness technique that was invented by Joseph Hubertus Pilates over seventy years ago for improving flexibility and strength of the human body. This method was initially used to rehabilitate the injured Second World War soldiers. Pilates later modified these exercises to suit injured dancers and eventually it has become a popular fitness regime for ordinary people who just want to keep fit.
Pilates exercises borrows heavily from yoga, dance and gymnastics but it also improvises and includes many original movements that distinguish it from the other techniques. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. You can get a terrific workout at home with just an exercise mat once you know how.
So What Is Different About Pilates?
Pilates engages in a series of controlled movements that engage the body and mind. By promoting physical harmony along with a peaceful mind this form of exercise appeals to many. It aids in flexibility of the body without causing muscles to bulk and the end result is a strong and supple balanced body with a relaxed psyche.
Centering, stability and precision are the mainframe of Pilates. It is more like a dance form where the movements are fluid but which end with a controlled and defined finish; so it helps to bring flexibility to the joints and muscles and trains the body to move evenly and smoothly.
How Do I Get Started?
The good news is that you need really very little to get started with Pilates. Comfy clothes, a floor mat and bare feet are the basics. A ball is also a good tool to have for Pilates. If you join a class, then you can have the added advantage of a qualified instructor. Just make sure with your doctor that you do not suffer from any illness or disease that does not support a particular type pf movement or exercise. Always better to be safe than sorry.
Will It Help Me Lose Weight?
Yes and no. Many people turn to Pilates with the hope that it will give them the hour- glass figure where other diets and exercise regimes have failed. Pilates is not an aerobic exercise, so immediate weight loss will not be visible; however, if you are one of those people whose only exercise is to brush their own teeth in the morning you may find yourself shedding a few grams of fat. Advanced Pilates, where you can seamlessly transition from one exercise to another, may help with weight loss. Some other forms of exercise along with Pilates would do the trick if it’s primarily weight loss you are looking for. Pilates will make you appear taller and more elegant with a good posture, grace and elegance of movement.
Can Anyone Do Pilates?
As long as your doc says yes; because these are gentle exercises without muscular stress, it is a recommended form of exercise for those seeking rehabilitation through physical therapy. It is especially good for arthritic patients to reduce stiffness and is beneficial for people suffering from osteoporosis. Beginner classes consist of very gentle exercises done on a mat in either a sitting or lying down position. Proper posture, correct breathing and making use of many parts of your body at once is what differentiates Pilates from many other exercise forms. Even when you are doing just a bicep curl, you’re holding in your gut, pulling your inner thighs and squeezing your butt at the same time. Over time a combination of muscle usage changes the look and shape of your body.
So What Changes Can I Expect?
A firmer butt, long lean muscles and better posture along with a relaxed mind and body is what you can expect from doing Pilates. But no exercise regime can work miracles if you are not consistent. You won’t see changes immediately after you start but be patient, be regular and you should notice a nicer looking and nicer feeling you in a few weeks. And it’s time now for you to get, set and go…..
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