| Pilates is the exercise of choice for | | | | stressed in pilates, adding to the |
| dancers, gymnasts, and a host of famous | | | | numerous list of benefits that one can |
| Hollywood celebrities, and now it finds | | | | attain through regular use of the |
| itself firmly entrenched in the | | | | exercise program. |
| mainstream. So why is pilates so hot? | | | | 5. Prevents You from Future Injuries |
| Pilates incredible popularity can be | | | | Pilates strengthens your body and helps |
| traced to the fact that it provides its | | | | prevent future injuries. Pilates helps |
| faithful practitioners with benefits | | | | to condition the whole body, not just |
| that you simply can't get through | | | | certain muscles. This helps balance the |
| traditional aerobics/strength training | | | | muscle and strength of the body. Since |
| format. | | | | no set of muscles is ever over or under |
| 1. Makes You into Muscle Man | | | | trained, there is less risk for injury. |
| If want a long, lean look without bulky | | | | The body becomes more fluid and supple, |
| muscles, but with all the strength. | | | | protecting against injury. |
| Would you like to build strength and | | | | 6. Helps You Become Efficient With Your |
| endurance without getting the muscle man | | | | Body |
| look? If so, pilates may be just what | | | | Last, but not the least one of the |
| you have been searching for. | | | | benefits of Pilates is that it teaches |
| There's a reason that pilates is the | | | | you how to become efficient with your |
| exercise of choice for gymnasts and | | | | body. Very few exercises can help your |
| professional dancers. Most conventional | | | | body become more efficient in its |
| workouts tend to create bulky muscle. | | | | movement. |
| Why is this? In most workouts, the | | | | Why is efficiency so important? Being |
| emphasis is placed on repetition and | | | | efficient means that your body moves in |
| building strong muscles. | | | | a way, that is smoother, safer, and less |
| This causes already-strong (think: big) | | | | prone to injury. By practicing pilates |
| muscles to get even strong, and thus | | | | on a regular basis, you can train your |
| bigger. Pilates does not rely on | | | | body more to move in a much safer and |
| frequent repetition, and thus no | | | | more efficient manner. |
| overgrown muscles. Pilates focuses on | | | | Benefits of Pilates for Older Adults |
| the whole body, not just on sections of | | | | The benefits of pilates have been |
| muscles. | | | | particularly noted in older adults. |
| 2. Increases the Strength of Stabilizer | | | | Older adults are more likely to suffer |
| Muscles | | | | from symptoms of arthritis, including |
| There are many benefits that one can | | | | stiff and painful joints. Pilates |
| achieve through a proper use of the | | | | practice has also been lauded for its |
| pilates program. One of the most | | | | ability to help prevent injury. |
| significant points of the pilates | | | | Even adults undergoing serious |
| program is it's ability to increase the | | | | rehabilitation therapy can use Pilates |
| strength of stabilizer muscles that may | | | | to increase their range of motion and |
| not commonly be worked out in a standard | | | | overall muscle strength. But is Pilates |
| exercise program. | | | | safe for all adults? Who should avoid |
| Also, since pilates stresses the use of | | | | participating in a Pilates program, and |
| graceful and fluid movements, it can be | | | | who is more likely to benefit from the |
| a great way to get a better sense of the | | | | program? |
| kinesthetics of your body. The sense of | | | | Consult your medical professional if you |
| body that you can achieve through | | | | have any doubts about your pilates |
| pilates is quite significant, and many | | | | program. If you are suffering from |
| find that they are better able to | | | | severe degeneration or physical pain, |
| balance themselves regardless of the | | | | you should take extra care before |
| position that they are in. | | | | beginning a pilates program. |
| 3. A Mind-Body Workout That Strengthens | | | | You should never feel pain while |
| Your Whole Body | | | | practicing pilates. If you do, you know |
| Another one of the benefits of Pilates | | | | that there is something wrong. Don't be |
| is that it engages the mind and enhances | | | | afraid to pull back if you feel |
| body awareness. Like yoga, tai chi, and | | | | overwhelmed. |
| Asian martial arts, Pilates is not just | | | | Pilates was designed to progress |
| a workout for your body. Joseph H. | | | | naturally from one movement to another. |
| Pilates studied yoga, martial arts, and | | | | If you feel stopped at one movement, |
| other ancient mind-body activities and | | | | don't give up. Start at the beginning |
| included a strong philosophical | | | | and work your way back to the areas you |
| foundation into the practice of Pilates. | | | | found most challenging. |
| Pilates not only helps tone your body, | | | | Other Benefits of Pilates |
| but your mind and spirit as well. The | | | | Tone and build long, lean muscles |
| smooth, precise and flowing movements of | | | | without bulk. |
| Pilates are designed to make you more | | | | Reduce stress, relieve tension, and |
| mindful of your body. | | | | boost energy through deep stretching. |
| Breath movement is also emphasized to | | | | Restore postural alignment. |
| put you in touch with how breath moves | | | | Create a stronger, more flexible spine. |
| through your body. Pilates has been | | | | Increase joint range of motion. |
| demonstrated to reduce stress, anxiety, | | | | Improve circulation. |
| and helps lift depression. The mind-body | | | | Heighten neuromuscular coordination. |
| connection is fundamental to the study | | | | Offer relief from back pain and joint |
| and practice of pilates. | | | | stress. |
| 4. Pilates Strengthens Your Core like No | | | | Correct over-training of muscle groups |
| Other Exercise | | | | which can lead to stress and injury. |
| Another one of the benefits of Pilates | | | | Enhance mobility, agility and stamina. |
| is that the increased amount of strength | | | | Compliment sports training and develop |
| that one can achieve in the 'core' of | | | | functional fitness for daily life |
| the body. The term core refers to the | | | | activity. |
| muscles in and around the area of the | | | | Improve the way your body looks and |
| abdominal muscles and the back. | | | | feels. |
| Proper breathing control is also | | | | |