Saturday, May 22, 2010

Top Six Benefits of Pilates Exercises

Pilates is the exercise of choice for dancers, gymnasts and a host of famous Hollywood celebrities, and now it is firmly anchored 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 you simply can not get through traditional aerobics / strength training format.

1. Do you Muscle Mon

If you want a long, lean look without bulky muscles, but with all the strength. Would you like to build strength and endurance without getting a muscular man out? If yes, pilates be just what you've been looking for.

There is a reason that pilates is the exercise of choice for gymnasts and professional dancers. Most conventional workouts tend to create bulky muscles. Why is this? In most workouts, the emphasis on repetition and building strong muscles.

This causes the already strong (think: big) muscles to get yet strong, and thus greater. Pilates is not dependent on frequent repetition, and thus no overgrown muscles. Pilates focuses on the whole body, not only on the parts of muscles.

2. Increases strength Stabilizer Muscles

There are many benefits that can be achieved through a proper application of the Pilates program. One of the most striking points of the pilates program is its ability to increase the strength of the stabilizer muscles that do not normally produced in a standard training program.

Also, because pilates stresses the use of graceful and fluid movements, it might be a good way to get a better sense of Kinesthetic body. The feeling of your body that you can achieve through pilates is quite significant, and many find that they are better able to self-balancing, whatever the position that they are in.

3. A Mind-Body Workout, which strengthens your entire body

Another 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 in 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 designed to make you more aware of your body.

Breathing movement is also emphasized to put you in touch with how breath moves through your body. Pilates has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and helps lift depression. The mind-body connection is fundamental for the study and practice Pilates.

4. Pilates strengthens your core like no other Exercise

Another of the benefits of Pilates is that the increased amount of power that can be achieved in the 'core' in the body. The term core refers to the muscles in and around the area of the abdominal muscles and back.

Proper breathing control is also emphasized in Pilates, which contributes to the numerous list of benefits that can be achieved through regular use of exercise program.

5. Prevents You from Future Injuries

Pilates strengthens your body and helps prevent future damage. Pilates helps to stabilize the whole body, not just certain muscles. This helps balance the muscle and strengthen your body. Since no set muscles are still above or below education, there is less risk for injury. The body becomes more fluid and supple, protecting against damage.

6. Helps You Become efficient with your body

Last but not 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 becomes more efficient in its movement.

Why is efficiency so important? Being efficient means that your body moves in a way that is softer, 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 effective way.

Benefits of pilates for older adults

The benefits of Pilates is 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 praised 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 are more likely to benefit from the program?

Contact your doctor if you have doubts about your pilates program. If you suffer from severe degeneration or physical pain, you should be extra careful before you start a Pilates program.

You should never feel pain while practicing pilates. If you do, you know that something is wrong. Do not be afraid to retreat if you feel overwhelmed.

Pilates is designed to progress naturally from one movement to another. If you feel closed in one motion, not 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 and more flexible spine.
  • Increase joint movement.
  • Improve circulation.
  • Improve 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 endurance.
  • Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily activity.
  • Improve the way your body looks and feels.

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