A refreshing
mind-body workout
Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing proper
breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration
on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body
feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of
movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is
essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and
efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce
stress.
Build strength
without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility
Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most
prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle
elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility
is less likely to be injured.
Develop a strong core
- flat abdominals and a strong back
Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises
develop a strong "core," or center of the body. The core consists of the
deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control
of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder
girdle.
Create an evenly
conditioned body and prevent sports injuries
In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles
tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a primary cause of
injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the
ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your
entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy
daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.
Learn efficient
patterns of motion
Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous
movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your
body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for
injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.
Be confident and safe
No other exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a
challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or
sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing.
Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to
rehabilitate injuries.
And be challenged
Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Modifications
to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty ranging from beginning to
advanced. Get the workout that best suits you now, and increase the
intensity as your body conditioning improves.
"Excerpts from the Balanced Body Inc web site, www.pilates.com