Pilates and Benefits
Pilates is an exercise discipline, pronounced: pee LAH tees. In the early 1920's, Joseph Pilates developed an exercise method which combined mental conditioning with physical training. It allowed the individual to stretch and strengthen in a non-impact way. Joseph Pilates wanted people to work from the inside out.
The principles of pilates
Concentration
Pilates is the thinking way of moving. Each movement is a conscious act controlled by the mind. Concentration with regard to body movement is required to focus on muscles as they move.
Breath
Breathing the Pilates way is to be able to breathe wide, deep and full into your back front and sides of the lungs. Each Pilates exercise, movement is propelled by breath. The breath leads the way.
Centring
A strong centre is important to maintaining good control and balance in the body as a whole. It provides protection for the lower back and assists in supporting slow and fast movements of the body.
Control
Slow, smooth and controlled movements are the key to Pilates. This develops physical and mental control. The Pilates Method teaches you to be in control of your body.
Precision
Each movement and the whole sequence of movements are performed precisely. For safe and effective results, the goal is for this precision to become second nature in your daily life.
Flowing Movements
Pilates is about natural, fluid stable, movements and these goals applied to all exercises. Pilates is a continuous cycle of movements each flowing smoothly and unhurriedly into the next.
Isolation
Isolation is the mental exercise of identifying the feel of all your muscles. Isolation can help to increase flexibility, mobility, strengthen weaker muscles, release overworked muscles.
Routine
Pilates can improve physical and mental well-being, the more you practice the more improvement you see. Pilates can improve quality of movement which can lead to an improved quality of life.
The benefits of pilates
By working deeper muscles and creating a stronger centre (abdominals and lower back muscles working together) you can:
- Improve posture, which can lessen back pain
- Increase flexibility
- Increase body awareness
- Gain greater joint mobility (helps to reduce injuries)
- Increase strength & tone muscles
- Trim waistline and tones abdominals
- Lower stress levels
- Improve breathing