|
Top Six
Benefits Of Pilates
Written by: Nishanth Reddy
Pilates is the exercise of choice for dancers,
gymnasts, and a host of famous Hollywood
celebrities, and now it finds itself firmly
entrenched in the mainstream. So why is pilates so
hot?
Pilates incredible popularity can be traced to the
fact that it provides its faithful practitioners
with benefits that you simply can't get through
traditional aerobics/strength training format.
1. Makes You into Muscle Man
If want a long, lean look without bulky muscles, but
with all the strength. Would you like to build
strength and endurance without getting the muscle
man look? If so, pilates may be just what you have
been searching for.
There's a reason that pilates is the exercise of
choice for gymnasts and professional dancers. Most
conventional workouts tend to create bulky muscle.
Why is this? In most workouts, the emphasis is
placed on repetition and building strong muscles.
This causes already-strong (think: big) muscles to
get even strong, and thus bigger. Pilates does not
rely on frequent repetition, and thus no overgrown
muscles. Pilates focuses on the whole body, not just
on sections of muscles.
2. Increases the Strength of Stabilizer Muscles
There are many benefits that one can achieve through
a proper use of the pilates program. One of the most
significant points of the pilates program is it's
ability to increase the strength of stabilizer
muscles that may not commonly be worked out in a
standard exercise program.
Also, since pilates stresses the use of graceful and
fluid movements, it can be a great way to get a
better sense of the kinesthetics of your body. The
sense of body that you can achieve through pilates
is quite significant, and many find that they are
better able to balance themselves regardless of the
position that they are in.
3. A Mind-Body Workout That Strengthens Your Whole
Body
Another one of the benefits of Pilates is that it
engages the mind and enhances body awareness. Like
yoga, tai chi, and Asian martial arts, Pilates is
not just a workout for your body. Joseph H. Pilates
studied yoga, martial arts, and other ancient
mind-body activities and included a strong
philosophical foundation into the practice of
Pilates.
Pilates not only helps tone your body, but your mind
and spirit as well. The smooth, precise and flowing
movements of Pilates are designed to make you more
mindful of your body.
Breath movement is also emphasized to put you in
touch with how breath moves through your body.
Pilates has been demonstrated to reduce stress,
anxiety, and helps lift depression. The mind-body
connection is fundamental to the study and practice
of pilates.
4. Pilates Strengthens Your Core like No Other
Exercise
Another one of the benefits of Pilates is that the
increased amount of strength that one can achieve in
the 'core' of the body. The term core refers to the
muscles in and around the area of the abdominal
muscles and the back.
Proper breathing control is also stressed in pilates,
adding to the numerous list of benefits that one can
attain through regular use of the exercise program.
5. Prevents You from Future Injuries
Pilates strengthens your body and helps prevent
future injuries. Pilates helps to condition the
whole body, not just certain muscles. This helps
balance the muscle and strength of the body. Since
no set of muscles is ever over or under trained,
there is less risk for injury. The body becomes more
fluid and supple, protecting against injury.
6. Helps You Become Efficient With Your Body
Last, but not the least one of the benefits of
Pilates is that it teaches you how to become
efficient with your body. Very few exercises can
help your body become more efficient in its
movement.
Why is efficiency so important? Being efficient
means that your body moves in a way, that is
smoother, safer, and less prone to injury. By
practicing pilates on a regular basis, you can train
your body more to move in a much safer and more
efficient manner.
Benefits of Pilates for Older Adults
The benefits of pilates have been particularly noted
in older adults. Older adults are more likely to
suffer from symptoms of arthritis, including stiff
and painful joints. Pilates practice has also been
lauded for its ability to help prevent injury.
Even adults undergoing serious rehabilitation
therapy can use Pilates to increase their range of
motion and overall muscle strength. But is Pilates
safe for all adults? Who should avoid participating
in a Pilates program, and who is more likely to
benefit from the program?
Consult your medical professional if you have any
doubts about your pilates program. If you are
suffering from severe degeneration or physical pain,
you should take extra care before beginning a
pilates program.
You should never feel pain while practicing pilates.
If you do, you know that there is something wrong.
Don't be afraid to pull back if you feel
overwhelmed.
Pilates was designed to progress naturally from one
movement to another. If you feel stopped at one
movement, don't give up. Start at the beginning and
work your way back to the areas you found most
challenging.
Other Benefits of Pilates
Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk.
Reduce stress, relieve tension, and boost energy
through deep stretching.
Restore postural alignment.
Create a stronger, more flexible spine.
Increase joint range of motion.
Improve circulation.
Heighten neuromuscular coordination.
Offer relief from back pain and joint stress.
Correct over-training of muscle groups which can
lead to stress and injury.
Enhance mobility, agility and stamina.
Compliment sports training and develop functional
fitness for daily life activity.
Improve the way your body looks and feels.
About the author:
Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many
health related websites. For more information on
pilates exercises, basics of pilates, finding out
pilates instructors and pilates equipment, visit his
website:
Pilates-Exercises-Guide
|
Size0Secrets.com