Top Six Benefits of Pilates Exercises

Pilates is the exercise of choice for dancers,muscles and the back.
gymnasts, and a host of famous HollywoodProper breathing control is also stressed in pilates,
celebrities, and now it finds itself firmly entrenched inadding to the numerous list of benefits that one can
the mainstream. So why is pilates so hot?attain through regular use of the exercise program.
Pilates incredible popularity can be traced to the fact5. Prevents You from Future Injuries
that it provides its faithful practitioners with benefitsPilates strengthens your body and helps prevent
that you simply can't get through traditional aerobicsfuture injuries. Pilates helps to condition the whole
strength training format.body, not just certain muscles. This helps balance the
1. Makes You into Muscle Manmuscle and strength of the body. Since no set of
If want a long, lean look without bulky muscles, butmuscles is ever over or under trained, there is less
with all the strength. Would you like to build strengthrisk for injury. The body becomes more fluid and
and endurance without getting the muscle man look?supple, protecting against injury.
If so, pilates may be just what you have been6. Helps You Become Efficient With Your Body
searching for.Last, but not the least one of the benefits of Pilates
There's a reason that pilates is the exercise of choiceis that it teaches you how to become efficient with
for gymnasts and professional dancers. Mostyour body. Very few exercises can help your body
conventional workouts tend to create bulky muscle.become more efficient in its movement.
Why is this? In most workouts, the emphasis isWhy is efficiency so important? Being efficient means
placed on repetition and building strong muscles.that your body moves in a way, that is smoother,
This causes already-strong (think: big) muscles to getsafer, and less prone to injury. By practicing pilates on
even strong, and thus bigger. Pilates does not rely ona regular basis, you can train your body more to
frequent repetition, and thus no overgrown muscles.move in a much safer and more efficient manner.
Pilates focuses on the whole body, not just onBenefits of Pilates for Older Adults
sections of muscles.The benefits of pilates have been particularly noted in
2. Increases the Strength of Stabilizer Musclesolder adults. Older adults are more likely to suffer
There are many benefits that one can achievefrom symptoms of arthritis, including stiff and painful
through a proper use of the pilates program. One ofjoints. Pilates practice has also been lauded for its
the most significant points of the pilates program isability to help prevent injury.
it's ability to increase the strength of stabilizerEven adults undergoing serious rehabilitation therapy
muscles that may not commonly be worked out in acan use Pilates to increase their range of motion and
standard exercise program.overall muscle strength. But is Pilates safe for all
Also, since pilates stresses the use of graceful andadults? Who should avoid participating in a Pilates
fluid movements, it can be a great way to get aprogram, and who is more likely to benefit from the
better sense of the kinesthetics of your body. Theprogram?
sense of body that you can achieve through pilates isConsult your medical professional if you have any
quite significant, and many find that they are betterdoubts about your pilates program. If you are
able to balance themselves regardless of the positionsuffering from severe degeneration or physical pain,
that they are in.you should take extra care before beginning a pilates
3. A Mind-Body Workout That Strengthens Yourprogram.
Whole BodyYou should never feel pain while practicing pilates. If
Another one of the benefits of Pilates is that ityou do, you know that there is something wrong.
engages the mind and enhances body awareness.Don't be afraid to pull back if you feel overwhelmed.
Like yoga, tai chi, and Asian martial arts, Pilates is notPilates was designed to progress naturally from one
just a workout for your body. Joseph H. Pilatesmovement to another. If you feel stopped at one
studied yoga, martial arts, and other ancientmovement, don't give up. Start at the beginning and
mind-body activities and included a strong philosophicalwork your way back to the areas you found most
foundation into the practice of Pilates.challenging.
Pilates not only helps tone your body, but your mindOther Benefits of Pilates
and spirit as well. The smooth, precise and flowingTone and build long, lean muscles without bulk.
movements of Pilates are designed to make youReduce stress, relieve tension, and boost energy
more mindful of your body.through deep stretching.
Breath movement is also emphasized to put you inRestore postural alignment.
touch with how breath moves through your body.Create a stronger, more flexible spine.
Pilates has been demonstrated to reduce stress,Increase joint range of motion.
anxiety, and helps lift depression. The mind-bodyImprove circulation.
connection is fundamental to the study and practiceHeighten neuromuscular coordination.
of pilates.Offer relief from back pain and joint stress.
4. Pilates Strengthens Your Core like No OtherCorrect over-training of muscle groups which can lead
Exerciseto stress and injury.
Another one of the benefits of Pilates is that theEnhance mobility, agility and stamina.
increased amount of strength that one can achieve inCompliment sports training and develop functional
the 'core' of the body. The term core refers to thefitness for daily life activity.
muscles in and around the area of the abdominalImprove the way your body looks and feels.