You’re not alone! Pilates is one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the world. In the U.S., Pilates participants have grown in number from 1.7 million in 2000 to 10.6 million in 2006 - more than 600% growth in just six years! And it continues to spread around the world. Why is the Pilates method experiencing such dramatic growth, and how can it benefit you?
Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you. Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, agility, athletic performance and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain and other chronic ailments.
Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and how it performs biomechanically. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.
Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention while Hollywood celebrities use it to maintain red carpet physiques.
Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress and prevent chronic illnesses. Pilates exercises elongate and strengthen, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility in order to balance strength and flexibility. Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises develop a strong “core,” or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.
This method trains several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health. Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty ranging from beginning to advanced. Get the workout that best suits you now, and increase the intensity as your body conditioning improves.
At last, pilates is enjoyable, fun and rewarding. Give it a shot!
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