Pilates is a form of exercise that is known the world over. It was founded by Joseph Pilates back at the start of WWI. While in an internment camp in England, he began to develop the floor exercises that we have come to know as Pilates.
Joseph Pilates originally called his work "contrology". He considered this type of exercise to be a body/mind/spirit approach. It has proven to be very effective for a wide range of people. Athletes do Pilates, as do women recovering from childbirth and just about any type of person that you can think of! Anyone, any age, can do it!
Pilates combines a balanced combination of core strength, flexibility and awareness to develop strength in your body. The stronger that your body gets by doing Pilates, the more graceful you will move through life because Pilates is strengthening your inner core. This helps you stand up with self-confidence to face your day.
Strong inner core muscles are vital to the other parts of your body. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the back and abdomen. Core muscles work in conjunction with other superficial muscles of your trunk to support your spine and your body's movement. When you do Pilates, you strengthen those core muscles, which, in turn, strengthen the muscles of your trunk.
Strengthening your core helps strengthen your back muscles as well. A strong core provides stability for your back, which allows you to move freely and efficiently because the pressure on your back is alleviated.
In addition to strengthening your core, Pilates helps develop your flexibility. It does not matter what level you begin at. Pilates is an adaptable form of exercise and you will make progress based on where you begin. When you perform Pilates you are aware of exactly what you are doing and you are concentrating on each move which helps you progress to a level that is right for your body.
Are you ready to give Pilates a try? You have several options. You can check out an instructional DVD and workout on your floor at home, or you can sign up for a class at a local Park District or health club. Consider your needs and your personality when choosing. Perhaps you would prefer exercising in private so that others cannot watch you-check out a DVD. Maybe you like to be surrounded and supported by others and you would like a knowledgeable instructor to assist you-check out a class.
One of the best things about Pilates is that you need only a place on the floor to get you started. Once you learn the moves, you can do it in a hotel room if you are on a business trip, so that you still get your workout in.
Pilates is a wonderful way to maintain a healthy, strong body. With a healthy, strong body, comes an aura of confidence. Don't be surprised if people comment and stop you to ask what you are doing!
Author Resource:-
Are you sick and tired of trying every fad diet under the sun only to find they don't work? Are you tired of being lied to about the latest weight loss diets? Learn what really works by going to http://weight--loss--diets.com
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 