Pilates For Posture

Pilates has caught on almost as fast as yoga in the past several years even though it’s been around for the last century.  If you haven’t done pilates before, then you probably have heard of it but do not fully understand the concept.  It is often envisioned as just a stretching, wimpy class for women.  Actually, I have seen more and more men in pilates class and it can be quite intense depending on the modification level, which can range from beginner to advance.  Did you know that it can be an alternative to strength training? 

This 100 year old exercise tones muscles in a graceful way, without creating bulk. The quality of the movements is valued over the quantity.  The traditional pilates method movements promote slender, toned thighs and flat abs.  Who wouldn’t want that?   It strengthens the core of your body, meaning the trunk, pelvis, and shoulder girdle by using the adduction and abduction muscles.  It also works the hip area, lower back, biceps, triceps, chest, and upper body.  Another bonus of adding pilates onto your fitness routine is that it’s low impact decreasing the chance of injury in the joints. 

People at any age can benefit from this both mentally and physically.  Along with relieving stress, it also creates body awareness, proper posture, flexibility and back pain relief.    By applying proper techniques in spinal and pelvic alignment, this exercise is invaluable for injury recovery.  Regular pilates sessions over the course of a few months have cured people of chronic joint pain.  It incorporates a full range of motion which is needed as we get older to be pain free.  It adheres to the old saying “use it, or lose it.” 

Tai Chi, yoga, and dancing are other ways to get a range of motion.   It does not have to be costly, as there are hundred of free classes available and videos can be purchased for about $15.  Pilates strength training combined with cardiovascular exercises are the keys to losing weight and keeping it off.  So, what are you waiting for?  Seize the day and start investing in your health now!

One of the key benefits of taking a pilates class is your increased strength. Few people realize that one of the best ways of strength training is through pilates class. Most people equate strength training with repetitive weight training exercises. However, there are other ways of strength training that put far less pressure on your body’s joints, muscles and ligaments – and taking a pilates class is one of them.

Pilates class helps with strength training by integrating your trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle while emphasizing proper breathing, the correct alignment of your spinal cord and pelvis with the incorporation of smooth flowing movement that allows you to access each part of your body. The exercises are meant to help you become familiar with your body’s function and mechanics. Pilates exercises were designed to help strengthen a person’s body without injury or stress to the individual’s joints or ligaments, which in turn helps you run faster, jump higher and dance endlessly – without pain, discomfort or injury.

Although strength training through pilates class is something that has been used by professional dancers for years now, the discipline has been picked up by professional sports teams that now incorporate pilates in their training regimes. Big name teams from the NFL, the NBA and the MLB have all begun incorporating pilates in their strength training regimes to help their players avoid some of the most common overuse injuries that are witnessed in professional sports.

Many people will hold on steadfastly to the belief that the only way to get proper strength training is through an intensive weight training program. However, those who are familiar with pilates class know that such beliefs are simply not true. Pilates class offers you more than just a fit and flexible body and a calm mind; it also gives you better balance, better posture all while making your stronger and more resilient to the shocks that a person’s body takes through the course of simply living.

Not convinced? Then simply join a pilates class and you will see the difference within just a few weeks.