Benefits of Pilates

The benefits of Pilates are almost too numerous to mention! Pilates involves the whole body, with special attention devoted to developing one's core, back and abdominal regions. Pilates is a well-established form of exercise that increases strength and flexibility.

History of Pilates

Created by Joseph Pilates as a means of reinforcing the connection between mind and body, Pilates method had a high initial appeal to dancers in particular, since the precision of ballet and other dance styles already encouraged the mind's need to focus on control of the body. In fact, many dancers under Joseph's tutelage went on to teach and train the next generation, spurning the modern Pilates movement.

Why choose Pilates

When people think about a dancer's body, they admire the dancer's muscle tone and flexibility. This is completely possible to acquire through Pilates, even if people cannot dance a step. Pilates requires participants to think about moving their bodies and flexing certain muscles in a slow and deliberate way, focusing on their breathing as they move through a series of precise movements. Literally anyone can do it, at any fitness level. Part of the appeal of Pilates is the slow and deliberate pace, rather than frantic cardio or intense weight lifting. Similar to yoga or physical therapy, Pilates is the perfect exercise regime because it requires little more than a mat and a bottle of water. Participants lift and lower their own bodies, using their own tension and resistance to attain strength and tone.

Widely available across the world, Pilates is perfect for beginning exercisers to professional athletes and everyone in between. Even NFL players have participated in Pilates to increase flexibility and therefore prevent injury on the field. Athletes of any caliber should consider Pilates to improve flexibility, tone and provide a physical and mental challenge.