The benefits of Pilates, by Linnea Korssell
23.06.2010
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates during the First World War to improve rehabilitation for veterans returning from war. He developed a sequence of movements aimed to increase muscular strength, flexibility and endurance, using exercises that focus on the deep core muscles which are essential for spinal stability.
There are eight principles in Pilates: Alignment, breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision, flow of movement and flexibility which are all part of Joseph’s philosophy that physical and mental health are linked and by practicing Pilates you will have a much more balanced mind and body.
The exercises in Pilates are all aimed at using your ‘powerhouse’, including the abdominals, pelvic floor, the muscles around the hip joint and lower back as the main focus when performing a movement. This is where you need to build strength as a weak powerhouse or core can cause injury, lower back or neck pain, hip or buttocks pain to name a few.
Anyone can do Pilates as there are different levels to suit your need. It is a great tool for pre-habilitation, rehabilitation, injuries, and problems with pain, pre & post natal or just as a compliment to your exercise regime.
These are some benefits of Pilates:
- A stronger, healthier back
- A more toned, mobile and flexible body
- A leaner, longer look
- A better balance between strength and suppleness
- Better posture
- Easier, fuller movement
- Better co-ordination
- Better body awareness
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Relief from stress
- General fitness
- A sense of calm and well-being
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young.” -Joseph Pilates
Write a comment