What is Pilates?

admin — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:22:05 +0000

Happy Birthday Mum

Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body by using a popular exercise regimen that uses special stretches and machines. Named after Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercise system has proven itself invaluable not only to the fitness user, but to the professional trainers as well. Pilates, a technique of exercise and physical movement intended to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.

With regular practice of specific exercises joined with focused breathing patterns. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilising the core.
Pilates focuses on the quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel refreshed rather than tired after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works efficiently.
With the ageing of our people and the increasing trend toward mindful, moderate health practices, Pilates is more likely to find itself with a wait list at the YMCA, and in your local public schools, shaping the fitness ideals of our next generation.

Practiced loyally, Pilates yields many benefits such as:

Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing.
Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilate’s program.
Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased.
Bone density and joint health improvements as you become more aware of your body. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body.

Pilate’s equipment today is not much different than that of earlier days. Because of the nature of the equipment the inimitably designed pieces truly act as a complement to the challenging mat exercises.

Pilate Moves

The Hundred – This movement strengthens the torso by requiring the back muscles to work in synergy with the abdominal muscles.

Roll Up -This movement strengthens the abdominal muscles.

One-Leg Circle -This movement opens up the hip, increasing flexibility.

One-Leg Stretch -This movement strengthens the abdominal muscles with the opposition effect of keeping the back flat on the floor while changing legs.

Single Straight-Leg Stretch -This movement strengthens the abdominal muscles by the opposition of keeping the back flat on the floor while changing legs.

Key to remember is that you should consult a physician before starting any exercise programme. Always keep water close to you and drink before you get too thirsty.

About the Author

For more information, go to: www.FitnessInfoGuide.com

Written By: David Chandler

Love Your Body Through Pilates

admin — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:19:43 +0000

So many of Hollywood’s hottest stars rave about its benefits. You can’t walk into a gym without seeing classes. But what is pilates, anyway?

Pilates is actually named for a man named Joseph Pilates. Around 1914, Pilates was a performer and a boxer, living in England. During the outbreak of WWI, Pilates was held in a German prison camp, where he taught a health system, based on yoga, Zen philosophy, and a number of exercises taken from the Romans and the Greeks. This health system helped the prisoners to fight off illness and maintain their strength.

The system that Joseph Pilates taught the prisoners was the start of the current pilates movement. This modern version of the workout is a series of exercises that improve strength and flexibility through a series of stretching and balancing exercises.

Chiropractors often recommend pilates as a way to strengthen the back and spine. After some time using the pilates system, an individual can typically expect to notice an increased mobility in the joints, improved circulation, a flatter stomach, and thinner waist and thighs. Typically, those most attracted to the system of workout are dancers, as dance requires a great deal of flexibility and agility as well as strength, all of which the pilates system provides. It is also said that pilates strengthens the body from the inside out, helps to relieve stress and anxiety, and can even aid in the prevention of injury.

Because it is a low impact routine, pilates is very attractive to those needing rehabilitation from injury, the eldery, and the overweight. It increases circulation and reduces weight gradually. Because of this, many women choose pilates after having a baby in order to shed the post-pregnancy pounds.

No matter what the reason for choosing the workout, pilates is fast becoming one of hottest workout trends, and one of the easiest to adapt to all ages and lifestyles. But like any workout regimen, a person should consult their physician before starting. There may be limitations you may not be aware of, and above all other benefits that a workout may bring, your health should be considered above all else.

About the author:

Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com

Written By: Amanda Baker

Learn about Pilates » physician

What is Pilates?

Love Your Body Through Pilates