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The Benefits of Pilates
Pilates
has become one of the most popular fitness methods in the United States,
although the concept is not particularly new. The routine was devised during
the early part of the 20th century by a German, Joseph Pilate,
who was obsessed with restoring his asthmatic body back to health.
Pilates
incorporates movements and exercises from such disciplines as dance, yoga
and gymnastics as well as breathing techniques, although the Pilates routine
does include some original movements as well. Whereas for some people
Pilates is a lifelong commitment, most people will see benefits after just a
few sessions.
Most of
the 500 movements that comprise the Pilates routine can be practiced on a
regular exercise mat with no need for expensive or specialized equipment.
Pilates can also be practiced by people of all ages, body types and fitness
levels – many people in their 70s practice Pilates.
Players of
many sports such as skiing, running, cycling and gymnastics can also benefit
from the Pilates program. Pilates is well known as an aid to helping people
recover from sports related injuries or strains and dancers can benefit from
the movements.
On the
other hand, some of the gentler exercises are suitable for pregnant women as
they help improve concentration and flexibility while giving birth and
assist in recovering the body shape after pregnancy. The gentler exercises
also mean that Pilates can be safely and effectively used in physical
therapy to help treat injuries.
Virtually
all Pilates exercises work on the concept of “centering” which is basically
a way of improving posture by strengthening the muscles close to the spine
and the abdominal muscles. By concentrating on this group of muscles,
grouped together in the center of the body, Pilates is also particularly
effective in decreasing the symptoms of lower back pain. And such things as
slumped shoulders and potbellies may be a thing of the past with Pilates.
Many
people who practice Pilates find that it leads to improvements in their life
such as sitting up straight at a desk, walking straighter and a better sense
of balance. Pilates has even helped people who ride horses maintain their
balance more effectively, and in some cases has increased a person’s height
slightly.
Pilates is
what is commonly known as a “no impact” method of exercise – it can be
practiced effectively in conjunction with other exercise methods. It is also
gentle on the joints of the body and has been proven to counter the effects
of over-worked muscles, which otherwise may lead to aches and pains.
One key
feature of Pilates is that the series of exercises are designed to improve
the mind as well as the body. While doing the exercises you are encouraged
to focus and concentrate, which leads to a more relaxed state and better
awareness of your body. Practitioners point out that this aspect of the
exercises also helps to reduce stress.
Pilates
has many other benefits that wouldn’t perhaps normally be associated with an
exercise regimen. Practicing Pilates on a regular basis can help alleviate
such conditions as urinary incontinence, osteoporosis, sleeplessness and
relief from the symptoms of menopause.
Joseph
Pilate dies in 1967, leaving as a legacy the many advantages and benefits of
his innovative fitness system. Today, Pilates is practiced regularly by
around 5 million people - including such famous names as Sharon Stone, Oprah
Winfrey and Julia Roberts.
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