What Is Pilates?

Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez), developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates is a physical movement system that helps the body to stretch, strengthen, and balance. Pilates helps to elongate and strengthen muscles. In addition, Pilates can correct posture, which can strengthen your body against future injuries. Practiced faithfully, the exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, are invaluable as a fitness program, but also as an important adjunct to a health and wellness program. Pilates has many benefits:

·         Enhances body alignment

·         Strengthens the abdomen, back, legs and buttocks

·         Stretches, strengthens and relaxes your body

·         When modified, is gentle enough for pregnant women

·         Incorporates exercises that target your abs, back and, making your body strong and flexible.

·         Posture, balance, and core strength

·         Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus.

·         Focuses on core stabilization making one stronger from the inside out

Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, with concentration in the mind and the body. Movements are performed slowly and purposefully. The low impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy, vigorous and symmetrical workout.

How Is Pilates Different From Yoga?

What makes Pilates different from Yoga is that it's more focused on stabilizing and strengthening the pelvic floor as well as the core. In many moves, you hold your torso in place while moving your arms and legs, which challenges your balance, core strength, stability and flexibility.

Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one's life.

The emphasis of the exercises is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, improve balance and overall strength. Pilates gives you a longer, leaner look.