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The Pilates Method has many, many
benefits, the man himself was quoted as saying that he was
50 years ahead of his time, it is only now that his work is
starting to be understood and becoming mainstream, even thou
his works have been around for over 80 years.
The Benefit of Pilates
by Della Menechella
Pilates can benefit your overall health and
sense of well-being in many ways. I have been doing Pilates
for three years and I have seen for myself how challenging,
yet effective it is.
Recently, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic
muscle and soft tissue pain syndrome. One of my osteopathic
doctors told me that if I hadn't been doing Pilates (and
yoga), I would not be able to get on and off the examining
table. As a matter of fact, when patients come to see him
because of pain, he often recommends Pilates as a method of
treatment.
While it certainly helps with physical problems, you will
find many other positive rewards when you start integrating
Pilates into your exercise program.
#1 Benefit of Pilates - Strong Core Pilates focuses on
strengthening your deep abdominal muscles, your back and
your butt. This results in greater pelvic stability and less
likelihood that you will sustain an injury in your back. You
will also enjoy having a flat, toned and sleek tummy.
#2 Benefit of Pilates - Improved Posture Pilates works to
lengthen the spinal compression that you might be
developing, especially as you grow older or spend long hours
hunched over in front of a computer. Many of us spend a
great part of the day with our shoulders slumped forward.
Pilates encourages you to lengthen the back of your neck and
to slide your shoulder blades back and down. This encourages
better postural alignment and allows you to stand and sit
straighter and taller.
#3 Benefit of Pilates - Increased Strength and Flexibility
When you are doing Pilates, you are simultaneously
strengthening and stretching your muscles. This gives your
joints greater range of motion and also helps prevent the
likelihood that you will get injured.
#4 Benefit of Pilates - Longer and Leaner Muscles Many
strength-training exercises focus on working only one body
part at a time, which leads to a compressed, bulky muscle.
When you do Pilates exercises, you are working your entire
body and you elongate the muscle as you move it with
precision and control. The result - your body has a longer,
leaner look.
#5 Benefit of Pilates - Improved Mind Body Connection
Pilates is not a mindless activity. There is a very strong
focus on deep breathing. You do certain moves as you inhale,
while others as you exhale. This fosters a greater awareness
about how you can integrate deep breathing and movement into
positive body control.
#6 Benefit of Pilates - It is Safe for Everyone. Pilates is
a gentle, low impact workout. In every class, you are given
a modification to address your own unique level of strength,
flexibility, and fitness. With the proper instruction, it is
safe for seniors, for those who are physically challenged,
and also those who are recovering from injuries.
If you've ever wondered about Pilates, why not give it a
try? You can see for yourself how Pilates can make a
positive difference in your mind, health - and, of course -
your body.
About the Author
Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has
been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Her website
http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/ is
filled with practical information about how you can make
yoga and fitness a positive part of your life. Visit the
site and get your free meditation e-book
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"the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed
body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily
and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily
tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure - Everything should
be smooth, like a cat. [The exercises are done lying,
sitting, kneeling, etc]... to avoid excess strain on the
heart and lungs... natural movements ... with the emphasis
on doing and being". Joseph Pilates
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