The Initial Benefits of a Pilates Routine

Increasing Physical and Mental Strength and Flexibility

Jun 10, 2008 Catherine Owen

Pilates is a core-based set of exercises that can be performed by beginners to advanced athletes. A regular Pilates routine provides many mental and physical benefits.

Pilates is a system of about 500 exercises developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, specifically designed to bring dancers and other athletes back to physical health after injury. The exercises were later adapted for the general public, becoming popular in the 1990s.

Pilates is a non-aerobic workout that focuses the mind and strengthens the body, particularly attending to core muscles. It can be performed by any age and fitness level with practice. Although one can use equipment, it is not necessary. All one needs is a mat and time for 45-90 minute sessions at least three times a week to achieve the benefits of Pilates!

Posture

One of the first benefits people notice after doing several weeks of these exercises is that their posture improves. Pilates firms up the muscles that keep the back and shoulders straight, stabilizing the spine. By strengthening the stomach, these exercises develop a core band of muscles that work to hold the body upright. A greater awareness of posture results, increasing confidence.

Balance

Pilates aims to improve both physical and mental balance. The repetitions of exercises are low, only 5-10 each, though one can extend the number with time, and certain stomach routines can be performed to 100 repetitions. Each exercise therefore requires focus and attention. An increased sense of equilibrium occurs, enhancing coordination and the ability to balance. The deep breathing that accompanies such exercises instills calm and enables one to cope with stressful situations.

Flexibility

At any age, one can be limber and move with fluid grace.Pilates emphasizes the values of stretching, from touching the toes, to being able to do a backbend and place one's head on one's knees. All these movements are performed slowly and gradually. These exercises make muscles long and lean, not bulky, thereby increasing their resistence to injury.

Concentration

While one is increasing physical strength, especially in the stomach and back regions, and improving flexibility and balance, the mind is benefitting too. Not only will one be more serene and better able to deal with challenges, but through breathing patterns and slow repetitions, the individual improves her ability to concentrate.

The mind is often a cluttered place, full of excessive facts and anxieties. Pilates pares the mind's stressors down through a process of relaxation and creates a core of focused attention. Even when one is not engaged in the routine, the individual will find that concentration on any task is easier and more fulfilling! Pilates is truly a mind/body stabilizer.

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Pilates Improves Flexibility!