There are many forms of exercise programs. Pilates is among the most popular.
Did you know that there are numerous benefits Pilates can offer including losing weight?
It is estimated that more individuals are doing Pilates tasks on their own, right from the comfort of their own homes during their free time.
They say doing physical exercises regularly is good for the health. However, you might find strenuous physical fitness programs as very tiring and exhilarating.
Forget going for a run, pounding on pavement with the potential risk of getting shin splints, a knee injury or worse, falling and getting an even more severe injury.
Pilates is one of the safest exercise systems in existence. The only equipment used is a floor mat.
But for more advanced Pilates exercise enthusiasts, other equipment can be added to simple routines.
Nevertheless, once you begin this solid workout regimen, you will begin to notice healthy improvements in your body.
Regardless of whether you are 20 or 60 years of age, Pilates can work for anyone – male or female, old or young.
No matter what condition you’re in, the health and fitness benefits are endless. Pilates improves flexibility, core strength and range of motion.
If you want to take it slowly, surely, and relaxingly, you should instead attend regular Pilates classes.
What is Pilates? Why should you be doing it?
To begin, Pilates is an exercise system that focuses strategically on improving the body’s strength, flexibility, and posture without building up any bulk.
It improves general fitness and well-being through emphasizing on the core strength.
The method involves a series of highly controlled movements that are performed using specially and specifically designed spring-resistant apparatus.
Pilates could also be performed on the floor without the need to use any tool or equipment.
The sessions should be supervised by no less than specially trained instructors.
You should understand that Pilates is a form of a resistance exercise. It is not actually aerobic or cardiovascular although through doing Pilates movements, you would observe that your heart rate would surely increase.
In comparison, it is more identical to weight lifting than to biking, jogging, and many other forms of popular aerobic activities.
The two key elements are spinal alignment and core muscle strength.
Pilates targets the core musculature, which is loosely defined as the abdomen, the spine, the pelvis, the hips, and all other muscles that support such structures.
Included in the main core muscles are:
– the external and internal obliques (sides of the abdomen),
– the erector spinae (those at the back along the spine),
– the rectus abdominis (‘six-pack’),
– the hip flexors (those in the upper legs and the pelvis),
– and the transverse abdominis (situated deep into the gut).
During any Pilates session, the instructor would continuously prompt you to focus deeply on your core muscles.
You should also pay attention to your breath as well as to the quality of movements and appropriate contraction of the muscles.
The key elements of the program would be emphasized in every session. The main objective is to establish coordination among the body, the mind, and even the spirit. Developer Joseph Pilates called this coordination ‘contrology.’
The program was originally created for physical rehabilitation purposes.
Several of the first few people who were required to perform Pilates were American soldiers who returned injured from the war.
It was also required for dancers who injured themselves during rehearsals and performances.
Since the early part of the 20th century, the basic tenets of Pilates have been purposely preserved.
Even today, despite evident modifications and variations, Pilates still remains very truthful to its origins.
It is not surprising that it is currently one of the most popular forms of exercise programs.
There are classes and group sessions that are held regularly in gyms and fitness centers for people who aim to perform Pilates exercise routines.
Numerous health and fitness experts keep on recommending it to people.
Pilates for Weight Loss
These days, weight loss is a major issue that almost everyone is concerned about.
That is because the sedentary lifestyle is catching up and making obesity part of modern living.
Unfortunately, beauty and sexiness are often linked with having a fit and slim physique.
Thus, weight loss is considered as very important for a person’s overall appearance and confidence.
Liposuction is very popular these days as a form of instant and effective weight loss.
But for people who do not like the idea of undergoing surgical procedures, Pilates could be a good surgery-free alternative.
Make Pilates your best friend. It creates muscles and burns calories.
Pilates is a form of an exercise program that was developed by a physical fitness guru named Joseph Pilates during the height of the World War I. It is an exercise program that was developed to focus on flexibility and core strength.
Specifically, the exercise program could bring about an ideal muscle tone that in turn could lead to a ‘taller and streamlined’ appearance.
The tasks involved in the exercise could help you engage your core muscles (comprising of abdominals) and inner back muscles, especially those in the mid-back and lower back section.
Thus, it could help you improve your overall posture, keep your back stronger, and attain a better posture.
What people usually like about Pilates is that it does not require too much. The tasks could be done right at the comfort of your very own home.
You may use a half-inch thick mat or just the floor. The exercise routines could take just several minutes to complete.
You do not need any special equipment or tools. This is because the program is much focused on overall and targeted body movements.
You could learn Pilates in many ways: through instructional videos and manuals or through guidance from experts or class facilitators.
Pilates is an exercise that is designed strategically for both men and women from all ages. The benefits are derived from the basic movements.
When you do a Pilates movement, you are subjecting your body to a range of motions.
There is no need to force the body to go further beyond what it could comfortably handle. The movements may be slow but they are more effective in burning stored calories.
Proper and recommended pattern of breathing also helps make the exercise tasks more effective and relaxing. Overall stance is improved as well.
Not only does Pilates tone abdominal muscles. It is also effective in reducing back pains and lowering the chances for development of osteoporosis, especially in aging women.
Combined with several other forms of cardiovascular exercises, Pilates could do a great wonder in losing those unlikely excess pounds at the shortest time possible.
If you are aiming to lose those flabs that make your tummy area look awkward, you should strive to do Pilates exercise routines regularly.
Pilates could also be considered as a mind and body exercise due to its highly targeted resistance in every movement.
The exercise program is recommended for everybody, especially athletes, dancers, and obese people.
Benefits of Attending Regular Pilates Classes
Flexibility, strength, and improved core muscles are the primary health objectives and benefits of Pilates.
The core muscles include many different muscles that balance the abdominals, spine, pelvis, and shoulders.
These muscles are critical in controlling movements, transferring energy, and shifting body weight and movement in any direction.
A strong core is necessary to distribute the stress of weight-bearing and support the back.
Individuals who have limited movements or those whose ailments limit them to wheelchairs and other contraptions may still engage in Pilates training.
This exercise method promotes a sense of physical and mental well-being which may lead to inner physical awareness.
Pilates also strengthens and lengthens the muscles without developing additional bulk.
This exercise is beneficial for dancers, athletes, and other individuals who don’t want more bulk.
In addition to its health benefits, pregnant women who engage in Pilates training may develop improved body alignment, enhanced concentration, and improve body shape after pregnancy.
Here are the top benefits of attending regular Pilates sessions.
Increased stamina and strength
Pilates is working primarily on the core muscles of the body. The movements strategically target muscles in the stomach, the back, and the pelvic region.
In the process, performing Pilates exercise movements not only helps correct body posture; it also increases overall stamina and strength of the body.
What is more liked by many people is that as Pilates increases stamina and strength, it does not add any bulk. It is most preferred by people who aim to get leaner.
Prevention of injuries and speeds up recovery
Because of Pilates’ low-impact nature, medical practitioners and doctors recommend attending Pilates classes especially to patients who are on the way to recovery from back injuries.
Whiplash and many other forms of sports-related problems and injuries could be prevented and cured as Pilates movements strengthen core muscles so that the body would gain a much better body posture.
This is the reason why many fitness and sports icons love Pilates, including sports superstar David Beckham.
Improved body balance and coordination
Attending regular Pilates classes could help you improve your body balance and physical coordination.
This is because the exercise routines in the program have been designed to realign the spine and at the same time strengthen the core muscles.
In this way, the body is reinforced and any form of injury is effectively prevented.
Relaxation and decreased stress levels
In its own way, Pilates could help anyone understand his or her own body as well as how it functions.
This understanding would make it much easier for you to strategically fight the stress and release the tension coming from modern living.
Many regular Pilates participants could attest that attending the sessions really help them overcome the stress and tension so they could attain overall and much-needed relaxation after a long day at work.
Gain of more benefits painlessly
You surely have been told that there would be no gain if there would be no pain in attaining a good physique and better health.
It is not necessarily applicable if you are regularly attending Pilates classes.
That is because the exercise program is low-impact and is a gentle form of exercise program that includes ample stretching without applying stress on joints and muscles.
Overall, you need to regularly attend Pilates sessions or classes.
To further encourage you to do Pilates on a regular basis, it would be advisable if you would sign up for lively and large sessions.
You could go to the same class attended by your peers, colleagues, or officemates.
But the best part about Pilates is: it is fun!
It’s an exercise that bonds the mind and body allowing them to work together to establish balance.
But the biggest benefit is Pilates improves overall body alignment, making it less prone to injury.
Here are more benefits of Pilates:
-
Look and feel better
-
Develop abs, butts, thighs, and arms
-
Improves breathing
-
Corrects spinal and pelvic alignment through the concentration of slow, flowing, smooth movements with maximum power.
-
Builds long, lean muscles that are less prone to injury, while building strength – without the bulk.
-
Improves flexibility and range of motion.
-
Improves back and abdominal strength.
-
Creates balance between muscles. As weak muscles become stronger and the strong muscles also gain more strength never over training or under training any particular muscle group. This balance makes it easier to enjoy daily activities with less risk of injury. Pilates allows you to retrain your body to move in smoother safer, more efficient patterns of motion, which is essential in optimal performance and overall health.
- There is no pounding or bouncing in Pilates. It is the safest form of exercise. This is why it began as a rehabilitation exercise system for sports athletes and dancers. It is an intense exercise system working all muscle groups but still sustaining and improving overall balance.
If you are looking for a fitness routine that’s safe and easy to do – and that doesn’t involve a lot of heavy equipment, Pilates is an excellent choice.
But best of all, with the popularity of this system, it can be performed in the comfort of your own home!
Many videos and DVD’s are available for rent, for sale or you can download online or simply search videos in YouTube.
Need the right exercise system? Pilates may be just the right thing for you.
Fun, easy and relaxing exercise that strengthens and restores flexibility… Doesn’t get much better than this!
Pilates is one of the most rewarding types of exercise because it encompasses stretch, strength and improves flexibility in the safest way while avoiding injury.
According to Joseph Pilates, people who engage in Pilates will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.
Pilates training are usually done slowly and carefully to promote movements that is smooth and flowing and ends with light stretching and cools down period.
Pilates training appeals to a wide population because of the various health benefits it may bring.
Becoming involved in this exercise program may change the way individuals think about their body, exercise, and overall well-being.
Despite its health benefits Pilates training should not be used as a substitute for physical therapy.
Lastly, individuals who want to engage in this kind of training should seek the approval of doctors and other health specialists.
People with chronic injuries and other health conditions may not be able to practice Pilates.
Physical activities like Pilates, coupled with nutritious diet may lead to good health and improved overall well-being.
HERE ARE THE DOWNLOAD LINKS:
I truly love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme.
Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back
as I’m looking to create my own personal blog and
want to know where you got this from or what the theme is named.
Cheers!
Great blog, nice content, good read and informative.
Thanks goodness I came across this blog. I have long been wanting to read something like this.
Awesome post! I definitely learned a lot from this article. Thanks!