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How is Pilates different?
Who can practice Pilates
What are the benefits of
Pilates?
How is Pilates different?
 Pilates
is invaluable not only as an overall fitness program, but also
as an important addition to professional sports training and
physical rehabilitation of all kinds. With literally hundreds of
exercises, Pilates lends itself to all fitness levels, from
post-rehabilitation to exercise novices, to the elite athlete.
Lasting
results are achieved through the use of proper form, combined
with the mechanics of the equipment and total concentration of
the participant. The exercises are performed on a mat and/or
spring driven machines. In all cases, each movement is flowing,
centered and performed with control.
Unlike
many other forms of exercise, Pilates does not emphasize
multiple repetitions or duration. Instead, the goal is to create
a balanced body; one which is agile and structurally sound. Top
athletes use Pilates training to improve their performance, as
well as enhancing their rehabilitation from injury.
Who can practice Pilates?
Pilates
can be practiced by anyone, from beginners to elite athletes.
Everyone can use Pilates to improve their posture, breathing,
and alignment. In addition, the mind as well as the body will
greatly benefit: you’ll feel stronger “from the inside out.”
The
Pilates method works for everyone, regardless of fitness level.
Exercises, which are both mat and machine-based, can be
executed by beginners as well as advanced students. Adaptations
can be made to accommodate all levels of movement, flexibility
and experience. Pilates enthusiasts also include pregnant women
(both pre- and post-natal training), the elderly, and those
returning to exercise after years of inactivity. As you can see
from the photo above, there are Pilates students of all
ages!
Models and
actors have used the Pilates method for many years, even going
back to the days of Gregory Peck and Katherine Hepburn. Today,
it is practiced by a number of well-known personalities
including Madonna, Jessica Lange, Michael Crawford, Julia
Roberts, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, and Tracy Ullman.
In
addition, well-known athletes who incorporate Pilates into their
training program include tennis players Pat Cash, Venus and
Serena Williams, Jennifer ti, Anna Kournikova and Martina Navratilova.
Golfer Tiger Woods and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi are also
Pilates enthusiasts.
Benefits of Pilates
Practiced
faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Many students of
Pilates report that by attending regular classes, their bodies
feel more toned, well-balanced and stronger. Pilates is both
gentle, and extremely effective. It teaches balance and control
of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of
your life.
Pilates is an
ideal workout for everyone from athletes to older people who may
not have the capacity for strenuous exercise. Pilates can be a
wonderful supplement to anyone’s current exercise program.
Benefits associated with Pilates include:
-
Creates a
balance between strength and flexibility
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Improves
strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and
back muscles
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Increases
lung capacity and circulation
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Decreases
stress and exhaustion
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Increases
energy levels and sense of well-being
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Improves
muscular and mental coordination
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Increases
posture, balance, and core strength
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Improves
bone density and joint health
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Improves
athletic performance
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Increases
positive body awareness
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