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Pilates:
Restoring Your Body Balance
Yoga is one
of the most widely recognized types of exercise in the world. This ancient
discipline concentrates on increasing flexibility and strength while
uniting the mind, body and spirit. Yoga has been the basis of many newer
exercise systems. One of the most notable is Pilates.
Pilates is an exercise system conceived by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.
Created for use in physical therapy, Pilates aimed to promote greater
control over the body and build strength without bulk. It has often been
compared to yoga, only less spiritual. While there are many similarities,
Pilates exercises are oriented more toward promoting core strength and
spinal alignment.
Pilates also has much in common with weight lifting. The biggest
difference is that no weights are used. Resistance is supplied by one's
own body. This factor, combined with the precise, flowing movements of the
exercises, results in the building of long, lean and strong muscles.
The Pilates method even has a little in common with aerobics. While
Pilates exercises are not designed to increase the heart rate, there is a
focus on keeping the blood circulating. Students are encouraged to inhale
and exhale as fully as possible. This increases alertness and can help rid
the system of wastes.
One of the fundamental principles of Pilates is centering. Pilates was one
of the first methods to heavily promote building of muscles in the
abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. Joseph Pilates called this region
the "powerhouse," and he designed the exercises to promote the flow of
energy from the powerhouse outward. Today, the powerhouse is known as the
core.
The Importance of Core Strength
The core powers virtually all of the body's movements. When we sit, stand
or bend over, we are utilizing our core muscles. A strong core makes these
and other movements easier, and it helps us maintain good posture and
balance.
Core strength can also decrease our risk of injury. This is one of the
reasons that athletes focus so heavily on core strength. A strong core can
help them brace for impact and keep their balance when falling.
Another good thing about a strong core is that it reduces the incidence of
back pain. A strong core holds the spine straight, both when moving and
when at rest. This makes backaches and back injury less likely,
particularly for those who do a lot of lifting and bending.
Almost anyone can do Pilates safely. Pregnant women and those with
physical disabilities, however, should definitely discuss it with their
doctors first. But most people can benefit greatly from the balance
Pilates creates in the body, making it a good choice for everyone from
professional athletes to office workers.
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seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.
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