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| Monday, September 01, 2008 |
| I Love Pilates! |
Pilates is one of the hottest exercise classes today. As a fitness instructor for over 15 years, I love it when I find a new exercise that can really transform the way people look and feel, and Pilates can do just that. Joseph H. Pilates developed this exercise program in the 1920’s to help create flexibility and strength in the entire body. It’s a fusion of mind and body that focuses on the core muscles or the “powerhouse”. The powerhouse consists of your abdominals, lower back, hips and buttocks. Almost anyone can do this exercise as it’s appropriate for beginners or advanced.
As a Pilates instructor, I try to help everyone understand the benefits of this exercise. Just by doing two or three classes a week, you can start to see changes in your body. Pilates devotees have reported increased lung capacity and circulation, improved strength, flexibility, coordination and posture, relief of aches and pains, enhanced sports performance and longer, leaner muscles.
In the book, Pilates For Dummies, Ellie Herman, a certified Pilates instructor, lists the changes you can expect to see: “A firmer butt, longer and leaner muscles, better posture, a flatter tummy, less back pain, more flexibility, more body awareness, better balance and greater strength.”
Although Pilates is a great workout, it may not be for everyone. Most Pilates instructors can help you recover from an injury, however you should speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you have neck or back pain, you should have a definitive diagnosis before starting Pilates so that the instructor will know what movements you should avoid. Before starting a class, ask the instructor if they are certified and how much experience they have. If the instructor is experienced, they will be able to give modifications for any participants with injuries or limitations.
If you don’t want to go a Pilates class, there are plenty of videos you can try. Some of the most popular and most reputable videos are by Stott Pilates or Winsor Pilates. These videos will show you correct form and give excellent explanations of the moves along with modifications for beginners. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start you Pilates program today. You will be glad you did!
- Jennifer
Related Articles:
Sensei Talks: Mix It Up With Yoga & Pilates
Labels: Fitness, Jennifer, Mind-Body Connection, Physical Activity
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posted by The Sensei Team @ Monday, September 01, 2008   |
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| 1 Comments: |
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Thanks for this post! Looking to get more involved in Pilates, and you give great advice on making the leap.
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Thanks for this post! Looking to get more involved in Pilates, and you give great advice on making the leap.