Sunday 23 June 2013

What Are Pilates?

By Angela Winter


Developed by Joseph Pilates of Germany, Pilates is another type of exercise that is done by many people. It is one of the most commonly practiced type of exercise. Balanced development of the body is the main focus of this kind of exercise and it is attained through body conditioning, core strength, awareness and flexibility. Pilates can provide lots of benefits to the body if done properly and regularly.

Pilates and the effects that it has on one's body:

1. Despite the fact that one of the effect of Pilates on the body is toning and enhancing its overall flexibility, people who practice Pilates do not make use of weight lifting exercisies to achieve this effect. There are other kinds of equipment that are used by people who practice Pilates to achieve a well-toned and enhanced overall flexibility.

2. Pilates also helps in developing agility and muscle strength which is important for a person to perform the activities that are expected for them to do.

3. This kind of exercise also aids in preventing injuries and promotes proper use of body mechanics and correct posture.

4. Improved breathing efficiency and healthier lungs and heart functions is one of the many benefits that you can get in doing Pilates.

5. Rehabilitation and recovery from injuries is also one of the benefits an individual can get from doing Pilates.

6. When done properly, it might also lessen some chronic pains that most people are suffering from. Meaning one can enjoy improved quality of life.

To attain the benefits that you want for your body when doing Pilates exercise, it is essential to do it properly and appropriately. Another factor that plays a major role in the success of your Pilates exercise is Body discipline. It is also advisable to seek help and guidance from a Pilates expert if you want to start doing Pilates exercises. That way you will be sure to do the exercise properly and use all the Pilates equipment effectively.

Now there are 6 important principles of Pilates as outlined by two students, Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen. These principles are as follows:

1. The first principle is Centering which id the starting point for an individual to attain control over his/her own body.This is the method of Pilates also known as Central point.

2. Control-Pilates method of exercise also emphasizes the importance of gaining control over your own body, mainly muscle control. A person wanting to do Pilates should be focused in doing it properly to achieve the goal of having control in every aspects of the exercise.

3. Flow or moving with efficiency-One goal to be achieved when doing the Pilates exercise is to attain the proper flow of exercises in a way that the movement of the body should be well-coordinated. In this way, body precision will be achieved resulting in increased stamina and stronger body.

4. The fourth principle of Pilates is breathing. Considered as one of the most important principles of Pilates, once a person starts to do Pilates exercise improve oxygenation and improved breathing pattern is expected to be a result.

5.The fifth principle of Pilates is Precision. This is mainly defined as having people who perform Pilates do the exercises with 100 accuracy to ensure that the benefits of doing the exercise will be maximized.

6. Concentration-extreme focus is also one important principle in Pilates exercise. An individual practicing Pilates need to fully concentrate on their body while doing the exercise to achieve smooth transition of movements.

Doing the Pilates exercise appropriately is of high-importance to ensure that you will be able to reach that you have set for yourself. The six principles of Pilates are important guidelines that should be followed for individuals to attain the benefits of doing the exercise. Another thing that an individual must remember to do is to ask the help and guidance of Pilates experts and trainers especially for beginners for them to be able to make use of the tools and do the exercise properly.




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