| Pilates is a fitness system or routine developed by | | | | strained by sudden movements. |
| Joseph Pilates in Germany in the early 20th century. It | | | | As a matter of fact, recent studies have shown that |
| is currently one of the most popular fitness regimen | | | | Pilates may even be able to help rehabilitate injuries. |
| followed by over 10 million people in the United States. | | | | The Pilates instructor just has to make sure that the |
| The practice of Oakland pilates and physical therapy | | | | movements and exercises are low-impact, but still |
| follows several principles which include concentration, | | | | designed to improve mobility and promote |
| breathing, alignment, flexibility, control, and precision. | | | | neuromuscular re-education. |
| Even though Pilates is more often marketed in the | | | | What should I wear during Pilates classes? |
| mainstream market as a weight loss program, it is also | | | | There isn't really anything in particular that you are |
| used as a holistic method of achieving mental and | | | | required to wear during Pilates sessions. You can just |
| emotional well-being. Here are some of the most | | | | wear the usual workout clothes that you would |
| common questions that beginners have regarding | | | | ordinarily wear whether you're running, doing bench |
| Pilates. | | | | presses, or yoga. However, most Pilates instructors |
| What can I gain from practicing Pilates? | | | | prefer their students to wear something form-fitting so |
| Aside from being an effective fitness regimen to | | | | they will be better able to see your movements and |
| achieve weight loss, Pilates is also a good program to | | | | how your body responds to the exercises. |
| enroll in if you want to increase flexibility and improve | | | | Do I have to use equipment to progress through |
| your posture. If you're a dancer, you will also benefit | | | | levels? |
| from Pilates because it will help you gain more muscle | | | | Pilates was initially practiced as a system involving only |
| flexibility without resulting to the usual muscle bulk. It | | | | mat exercises. However, as the practice evolved, |
| also strengthens the back and spine, improves | | | | people started doing Pilates with the help of simple |
| circulation, and increases joint mobility. | | | | equipment that are designed to help further the |
| And because Pilates also follows the principle of | | | | principles and aims of Pilates, among which are body |
| concentration and centering, it is not only your body | | | | flexibility, resistance, control, and alignment. Among the |
| that will reap the benefits but also the mind. Like yoga, | | | | commonly used Pilates equipment are the Ladder |
| Pilates is known to relieve mental and physical stress | | | | Barrel, balls and discs, Combo Chair, Reformer, |
| and anxiety. | | | | Springboard and Trapeze Table. |
| Is it safe to practice Pilates in light of recent injury? | | | | Depending on your goal and what you want to |
| Yes. Pilates programs and exercises can be tailored to | | | | achieve with your Pilates sessions, you should talk to |
| fit the individual's conditions. Regardless of whether | | | | your instructor about your goals, and your preferences |
| you're pregnant or have had recent injuries, a good | | | | regarding use of equipment so they can recommend a |
| Pilates instructor should be able to create a program | | | | program that would work best for you. Sometimes |
| that practices the principles of Pilates while keeping in | | | | instructors will combine mat exercises with the use of |
| mind the "sensitive" body areas that cannot be | | | | simple equipment. |