Pilates – is it for you?
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates a form of low impact exercise that has been accepted by physiotherapists and the fitness industry as a way of improving core stability, which is the strength and stability of the muscles in the lower back, abdominal region and pelvic floor.
It is commonly used as an alternative to gym and weight-training programs to improve strength, flexibility, posture, muscle tone, balance and co-ordination.
TOP 10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE PILATES…
1: A refreshing mind and body workout
Become acutely in tune with your body and proper breathing – learn how to control its movement and de-stress. Pilates concentrates on smooth, flowing movement – helping you gain muscle contractions with maximum power and efficiency, transferable to your daily movements.
2: Full body exercise
Pilates focuses on the core while training your entire body as an integrated system. Exercises improve strength, flexibility, muscle synergy and increased range of motion.
3: Strong and lengthened spine
It’s no surprise that poor posture creates a string of structural changes throughout the body. Tight shoulders, necks, tilted or shifted pelvises add extra pressure to the muscles and joints. All of which can cause pain, aches and an imbalance in the body.
4: Tailored to individuals needs
Pilates is for everyone! Including elite athletes, the injured, seniors, pregnant women and everyone in between. There are literally hundreds of exercises that can be modified to suit each person.
5. Heals and prevents injuries
Compared to traditional workouts, in which short and bulky muscles are built – the type most prone to injuries, Pilates elongates and strengthens – improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility.
6. Muscular balance
An example – with every hit a golfer will lean forward over the ball and twist in the same direction. The overuse of this action will create imbalance in the associated muscles of the trunk, neck, lumbar spine and pelvis. Pilates works to restore the balance and re align your body. Yes, there is specific Pilates for golfers too!
7. Flat abdominals – develop a strong core
Pilate exercises develop a strong core. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with muscles closest to the spine. Controlling and strengthening the core will lead to improved functional fitness and less pain.
8. Weight loss
Just because its low impact doesn’t mean it’s easy. A whole body workout will lead to excessive amounts of calories being burnt, helping you burn more calories than you consume.
9: Pregnant – no worries!
Pilates is an exercise option pregnant females can continue until labour itself. Women who attend Pilates classes throughout pregnancy will have a stronger core and pelvic floor – and consequently can experience shorter labours and reduced lower back pain. Regular class attendance can significantly speed up the process of getting your body back into shape after childbirth.
10. Improve sports performance
Many conventional workouts tend to focus on the same muscle groups. This leads to the weak muscles getting weaker and the strong muscles getting stronger; creating a muscular imbalance. As touched on earlier, Pilates conditions the whole body. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire body is evenly balanced and conditioned, improving performance, power and endurance. This is why so many elite athletes now use Pilates as a critical component of their training regimen.
Ben Corso
The Physio Clinic
Ph: (08) 8342 1233
http://www.thephysioclinic.com.au
This article has been supplied by The Physio Clinic. If you reside in South Australia, learn more about The Physio Clinic and its four locations at our website (link above) or contact your nearest experienced Physiotherapist in your state.
Pilates a form of low impact exercise that has been accepted by physiotherapists and the fitness industry as a way of improving core stability, which is the strength and stability of the muscles in the lower back, abdominal region and pelvic floor.
It is commonly used as an alternative to gym and weight-training programs to improve strength, flexibility, posture, muscle tone, balance and co-ordination.
TOP 10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE PILATES…
1: A refreshing mind and body workout
Become acutely in tune with your body and proper breathing – learn how to control its movement and de-stress. Pilates concentrates on smooth, flowing movement – helping you gain muscle contractions with maximum power and efficiency, transferable to your daily movements.
2: Full body exercise
Pilates focuses on the core while training your entire body as an integrated system. Exercises improve strength, flexibility, muscle synergy and increased range of motion.
3: Strong and lengthened spine
It’s no surprise that poor posture creates a string of structural changes throughout the body. Tight shoulders, necks, tilted or shifted pelvises add extra pressure to the muscles and joints. All of which can cause pain, aches and an imbalance in the body.
4: Tailored to individuals needs
Pilates is for everyone! Including elite athletes, the injured, seniors, pregnant women and everyone in between. There are literally hundreds of exercises that can be modified to suit each person.
5. Heals and prevents injuries
Compared to traditional workouts, in which short and bulky muscles are built – the type most prone to injuries, Pilates elongates and strengthens – improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility.
6. Muscular balance
An example – with every hit a golfer will lean forward over the ball and twist in the same direction. The overuse of this action will create imbalance in the associated muscles of the trunk, neck, lumbar spine and pelvis. Pilates works to restore the balance and re align your body. Yes, there is specific Pilates for golfers too!
7. Flat abdominals – develop a strong core
Pilate exercises develop a strong core. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with muscles closest to the spine. Controlling and strengthening the core will lead to improved functional fitness and less pain.
8. Weight loss
Just because its low impact doesn’t mean it’s easy. A whole body workout will lead to excessive amounts of calories being burnt, helping you burn more calories than you consume.
9: Pregnant – no worries!
Pilates is an exercise option pregnant females can continue until labour itself. Women who attend Pilates classes throughout pregnancy will have a stronger core and pelvic floor – and consequently can experience shorter labours and reduced lower back pain. Regular class attendance can significantly speed up the process of getting your body back into shape after childbirth.
10. Improve sports performance
Many conventional workouts tend to focus on the same muscle groups. This leads to the weak muscles getting weaker and the strong muscles getting stronger; creating a muscular imbalance. As touched on earlier, Pilates conditions the whole body. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire body is evenly balanced and conditioned, improving performance, power and endurance. This is why so many elite athletes now use Pilates as a critical component of their training regimen.
Ben Corso
The Physio Clinic
Ph: (08) 8342 1233
http://www.thephysioclinic.com.au
This article has been supplied by The Physio Clinic. If you reside in South Australia, learn more about The Physio Clinic and its four locations at our website (link above) or contact your nearest experienced Physiotherapist in your state.
