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An
Introduction to Pilates
Pilates
dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds
strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs
and a flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful
movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can
even help alleviate back pain.
The Benefits of Pilates
• Builds strength without “bulking up”
• Increases flexibility and
agility
• Develops optimal core
control
• Creates flat abdominals,
slender thighs & strong back
• A refreshing mind-body
workout
• Challenging, yet safe
Develops
a Strong Core
Pilates develops a
strong “core,” or center of the body. The core consists of the deep
abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Pilates exercises
develop core control, integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.
Builds
Long Muscles and Flexible Joints
Conventional
workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury.
Pilates elongates and strengthens, developing muscle elasticity and joint
mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be
injured.
Creates
an Evenly Conditioned Body
In conventional
workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get
stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a primary cause of injury and
chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body - even the ankles and feet.
No muscle group is overtrained or undertrained. Your entire musculature is
evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports
with greater ease and less chance of injury.
Trains
Efficient Patterns of Motion
Pilates exercises
train 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.
Improves
the Mind-Body Connection
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. Correct breathing helps you execute
movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to
breathe properly can reduce stress.
A
Great, Low Impact Workout
No other exercise
system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of
the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low
impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is used in many physical therapy
facilities to rehabilitate injuries.
An
Introduction to Pilates was provided courtesy of Balanced
Body, Inc.
Photos provided courtesy of Elizabeth Larkam and Balanced Body, Inc.
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Stress
and Aging
Our
bodies were designed for short-term stress responses. The longer the stress
response, the greater the risk to our health.
Balance
and Exercise
Just as we exercise a muscle to strengthen it, we
can strengthen our sense of balance.
Don't
Sit So Much!
Did you exercise today? There is one truth for
everyone with a body, man or woman, "Use it or lose it."
You
Are What You Eat
Getting the nutrients you need makes a difference
in how you feel now, and how your body wears for tomorrow.
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