Pilates and its benefits

Pilates is a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient, graceful movement. Pilates was formed by Joseph Pilates, he created this type of exercise as a way to rehabilitate injured soldiers after World War I.

Joseph Pilates believed mental and physical health are essential to one another. Pilates, on the other hand, is physical conditioning first and foremost and there's nothing quite like it. Pilates can be done on specific Pilates exercise equipment or as a series of mat exercises. The Pilates system focuses on increasing flexibility and strength, without building bulk. Pilates is a series of controlled movements specifically designed exercise apparatus

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Benefits of Pilates:

• Pilates of body conditioning promotes balance and a lengthening of muscle for people of all ages and physical conditions.
• Pilates is a highly effective way to improve body awareness and posture and promote graceful, fluid motion.
• Machine-based Pilates actually has more in common with weight training than with yoga as it involves moving against resistance, provided by springs.
• Pilates focuses on strengthening without the constant shortening of muscles that occurs with most weight-lifting sessions. This results in the development of long, lean muscles without added bulk.

Pilate or Yoga?

Although both yoga and pilates provide many benefits, yoga's focus is about how it makes you feel, with the added benefit of stretching and strengthening muscles. Pilates' main goal is to tone muscles effectively, affecting the way you look, carry yourself and move. If you are looking for a limbering, rejuvenating workout that will provide as much of a lift for your brain as your body, I'd recommend yoga. If you're interested in a more dynamic system of muscle conditioning, and want to improve your core strength, Pilates may be the answer.

In fact, it doesn't have to be an either/or choice. After all, no single training system can give your body all the types of conditioning it requires. That is why experts suggest a variety of activities, from Pilates to hiking, biking, yoga and more. A little bit of variety is always good especially if you are getting bored with your exercise routine, My best recommendation is to try everything. Experience it all and see what works best for you.

Some Pilate Exercises:

Overhead Leg Handstand: Start by lying face up and then bring your legs up to a 45 deg angle (straight legs) now slowly bring them all the way behind your head while stabilizing with your arms. Now, bring your legs to the middle and extend your lower body all the way to the top (you should almost be perfectly straight). Roll Out: Back Stretch: Start in a ball position with your arms on the ground and your knees into your chest. Now extend your body all the way until your flat on the ground (complete this very slowly). Now return to the starting position while stretching your back.

One Leg Raises (or with circles): Start by lifting one leg and having it straight over your body at ninety degrees. Now lower your leg without it hitting the floor and return to the starting position. You can also throw in a circle effect with your leg to activate your obliques.

Bicycle Kick (45 deg): Start by raising one leg to 45 degrees (straight leg). Now bring your other leg in tight to your body while holding your knee with your outside arm and your inside arm holding your ankle. Now slowly bring your other leg in tight to your body repeating the holding process. To make it more difficult you can pump your knee into your chest for a count of two.

Body Roll: Start in a ball and keep your head inside your knees. Now balance on your bum while working your abdominals. Start this exercise by rolling backward balancing on your spine now roll back up to the starting position (rolled up and balanced).

One of the great things about Pilates is you don't need expensive equipment to perform Pilates. All you need is an exercise mat and you have everything you need to perform the new fad of fitness exercise. So why not give it a go today, but always remember to check with your health care professional before beginning a new exercise routine.

(Sources: pilatesmethodalliance.org, canadianliving.com)