| Pilates could be described as a method of exercise | | | | If you are out of shape and looking for a program to |
| developed by Joseph Pilates. It is a physical movement | | | | ease into, then Pilates would be the best thing to start |
| designed to stretch, strengthen, lengthen and balance | | | | out with. Pilates can be rehabilitative, almost like going |
| the body. It was in 1926 that Joseph Pilates brought the | | | | to your physical therapist; in fact some of their |
| Pilate program, then called "Contrology", to the city of | | | | techniques are based on Pilates. Unlike other forms of |
| New York. Their program centered on postural | | | | exercising you can do Pilates every day without |
| symmetry, breathing control, abdominal strength, spine, | | | | overstressing your body, muscles and joints. To see |
| pelvis and shoulder stabilization, muscular flexibility and | | | | results you would only need to do Pilates three days a |
| joint mobility. Training with Pilates you will find that your | | | | week. |
| whole body is trained using the upper and lower | | | | Pilates will benefit your emotional health as well; the |
| extremities with the trunk. | | | | steady and smooth movements calm your mind and |
| Pilates is an exercise that almost anyone can do and | | | | relax your nervous system. When you start to |
| achieve amazing results. There is no bouncing, jarring | | | | lengthen and strengthen your muscles you will improve |
| or any stress to your body. Pilates is also convenient | | | | your circulation and the tension will melt away. After |
| because it does not require any special or expensive | | | | each workout, you will be calm, relaxed, balanced and |
| equipment. One could do Pilates anywhere and | | | | rejuvenated. While you are working out you need to |
| anytime. There are some Pilates workouts that are | | | | focus on letting the tension go |
| only ten minutes long. It makes it so anyone can find | | | | As you get older your balance starts to deteriorate |
| time to do a quick workout. | | | | because your muscles weaken and your nerve |
| If you practice Pilates faithfully, it will yield many | | | | receptors begin to lose their sensitivity. Pilates will |
| benefits. You will notice an increase in lung capacity | | | | reverse this aging process by stabilizing your core. A |
| and circulation. This is achieved through deep breathing | | | | Pilates workout works the small, deep muscles that |
| which is the primary focus. Strength and flexibility, | | | | are needed to keep your body steady when you are |
| especially in the abdomen and back muscles. The | | | | walking and your spine will be supple and strong. |
| coordination between these, are the key components | | | | Pilates is wonderful after you have a baby to lose the |
| for a Pilates program. Your posture, balance and your | | | | pregnancy tummy. And because it is low impact it is |
| core strength are all increased. It has been noticed that | | | | easy to start doing. If you do a few key moves on a |
| bone density and joint health improve. Many people | | | | regular basis you see an improvement. Muscles have |
| who practice Pilates notice positive body awareness. | | | | a great memory! They will come back after a little |
| Overall Pilates teaches control and balance of your | | | | toning. |
| body. | | | | |