Benefits to Pilates
by Della Menechella
Pilates can benefit your overall
health and sense of well-being in
many ways. I have been doing Pilates
for three years and I have seen for
myself how challenging, yet effective
it is.
Recently, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia,
a chronic muscle and soft tissue pain
syndrome. One of my osteopathic doctors
told me that if I hadn't been doing
Pilates (and yoga), I would not be
able to get on and off the examining
table. As a matter of fact, when patients
come to see him because of pain, he
often recommends Pilates as a method
of treatment.
While it certainly helps with physical
problems, you will find many other
positive rewards when you start integrating
Pilates into your exercise program.
#1 Benefit of Pilates - Strong Core
Pilates focuses on strengthening your
deep abdominal muscles, your back
and your butt. This results in greater
pelvic stability and less likelihood
that you will sustain an injury in
your back. You will also enjoy having
a flat, toned and sleek tummy.
#2 Benefit of Pilates - Improved Posture
Pilates works to lengthen the spinal
compression that you might be developing,
especially as you grow older or spend
long hours hunched over in front of
a computer. Many of us spend a great
part of the day with our shoulders
slumped forward. Pilates encourages
you to lengthen the back of your neck
and to slide your shoulder blades
back and down. This encourages better
postural alignment and allows you
to stand and sit straighter and taller.
#3 Benefit of Pilates - Increased
Strength and Flexibility When you
are doing Pilates, you are simultaneously
strengthening and stretching your
muscles. This gives your joints greater
range of motion and also helps prevent
the likelihood that you will get injured.
#4 Benefit of Pilates - Longer and
Leaner Muscles Many strength-training
exercises focus on working only one
body part at a time, which leads to
a compressed, bulky muscle. When you
do Pilates exercises, you are working
your entire body and you elongate
the muscle as you move it with precision
and control. The result - your body
has a longer, leaner look.
#5 Benefit of Pilates - Improved Mind
Body Connection Pilates is not a mindless
activity. There is a very strong focus
on deep breathing. You do certain
moves as you inhale, while others
as you exhale. This fosters a greater
awareness about how you can integrate
deep breathing and movement into positive
body control.
#6 Benefit of Pilates - It is Safe
for Everyone. Pilates is a gentle,
low impact workout. In every class,
you are given a modification to address
your own unique level of strength,
flexibility, and fitness. With the
proper instruction, it is safe for
seniors, for those who are physically
challenged, and also those who are
recovering from injuries.
If you've ever wondered about Pilates,
why not give it a try? You can see
for yourself how Pilates can make
a positive difference in your mind,
health - and, of course - your body.
About the Author
Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness
enthusiast who has been involved in
fitness for over thirty years. Her
website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/
is filled with practical information
about how you can make yoga and fitness
a positive part of your life. Visit
the site and get your free meditation
e-book.
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