A Quick and Concise Explanation of What Pilates Is – And Isn’t!
So Many Benefits From One Exercise Method!
So what’s all the buzz about Pilates (puh-LAH-teez)? What is it? And what can it do for you? Quite simply it’s a unique exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates, the Einstein of fitness, nearly 100 years ago. Now it’s one of the most popular workouts worldwide.
It’s so effective that elite athletes use it and physical therapists prescribe it. The benefits are numerous both physically and mentally. In fact, there is no other exercise method that delivers more benefits. Let’s take a brief look at all of them.
Physical Benefits
- Strengthens core muscles better than any other exercise method
- Creates tremendous strength without bulky muscle tissue
- Combines the three exercises that the body requires – strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular conditioning
- A quick and whole-body workout
- Integrates body and mind
- Eliminates most back, neck, and joint pain so effectively that ‘core strength’, a term coined by Joseph Pilates, is now a key principle in physical therapy
- Unlike many exercise methods, Pilates does not harm the joints
- Improves posture, balance, circulation, strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Improves athletic performance
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases energy
- You feel invigorated after a workout rather than exhausted
- Safe for any age or fitness level
- Exercise anywhere and anytime without equipment or a gym
- Everyday movement becomes easier, more coordinated, and graceful
- And now it is easier and faster to learn with my new teaching technique
Mental Benefits
Though exercise of any kind is scientifically proven to be beneficial for your mental health and cognitive function, Pilates adds additional benefits such as increased concentration and body awareness. This is a real difference maker! No other exercise method aside from eastern martial arts, trains the mind as well as the body. Plus, when you workout with heightened awareness you’re less likely to injure yourself. Here’s a quick look at all the mental benefits:
- Improves sleep
- Improves brain function
- Increases self-confidence
- Reduces stress
- Positive outlook on life
- Heightens physical and mental awareness
- Mental and emotional strength
Cosmetic Benefits
Pilates movements condition the body as a whole and tone muscles. And as with any exercise, Pilates makes weight management more likely to succeed with a reduction in fat buildup in the belly, thighs, and hips. When the body becomes more healthy, it looks more beautiful.
Not only that, Pilates is famous for correcting posture and consequently making people look and feel taller. “Since I’ve done Pilates, I’m much better looking and 4 feet taller,” says Rich Beem, winner of the 2002 PGA Championship. He adds, “Seriously, I’m now so stretched out and have
such great posture that I look and feel like a different person.”
Special Benefits for Older Adults
Core muscles are the source of balance and coordination. Pilates focuses on these core muscles like no other exercise method which is why elite athletes and especially dancers include it in their conditioning programs. Improved coordination and balance is particularly important for the older body where falls present a high risk of injury and even death.
Other benefits important for the older adult include reduced joint pain and stiffness, and improved flexibility and range-of-motion. Flexibility improves circulation and makes everyday movement easier such as walking, sitting, and climbing stairs.
So start your Pilates journey right now with my free beginners video lessons. It’s safe for any age and fitness level. Just sign up in the box at the right and I’ll deliver your first lesson in moments. Exercise in the comfort and convenience of your own home whenever you wish, with me as your personal trainer!