It’s not uncommon for us to heedlessly hop onto the bandwagon when a new trend rolls along with promises of looking good, and then fall off when the going gets tough. With that mentality, a million dollars’ worth of exercise programs will do no more than give your purse a good slim down.
However, if you are lacking in the exercise department because you haven’t found a particular workout to be suited to your needs yet, we might just be of some help.
Pilates [puh-la-teez] was developed by German circus performer/boxer/physical trainer/healer, Joseph Pilates. It is said that he maintained a fit physique throughout his life, and was in remarkable shape even in his later years. Makes you wonder why men do not really take to Contrology, as Pilates named his system, even though it was designed by a man.
One of the contributing factors to the popularity of Pilates is the flexibility of the system. A wide range of people are able to benefit from this workout as it is easily (and should be) adaptable to cater for kids up to seniors. This does not, unfortunately, mean that it will be easy peasy.
Concentration
Pilates requires a great deal of concentration, because it’s not a bite-the-bullet approach. Joseph Pilates believed that mental and physical health are inter-related, and so his method uses the mind to control the muscles. You are expected to do it with full focus and commitment, instead of just going through the motions, maximizing the benefit of each movement.
Centering
Pilates is centered on, well, the centre of your body. You attain control of your body beginning with the core, or what is deemed the powerhouse. Pilates exercises begin with the centre and flow towards the outer limbs, thereby attaining full control of your body starting with the core of your body.
Control
Pilates is not done haphazardly, and each movement is controlled as to give you maximum benefit. This requires a lot of concentration. Controlling how your body reacts to resistance is key to attaining mastery of your own body.
Precision
Just as it would be better to do a few proper weight lifts than many half accomplished ones, it is important to make every movement in Pilates a perfect, controlled one instead of slugging it out.
Breath
Breathing is one of the most important aspects in Pilates. We’re always breathing but most of us do not do it properly. Pilates incorporates proper breathing into the method by coordinating each exercise with breath. Joseph Pilates saw breathing as “bodily house-cleaning with blood circulation” – cleansing the body with oxygenated blood circulating throughout the body.
Flow
Fluidity and grace are the aims of Pilates. You achieve grace when you’re able to do each exercise with precision, flowing through the movements without sudden jerks. These exercises build strength and stamina, with movement flowing outward from the powerhouse.
Pilates has even been said to be highly beneficial for women who are pregnant, but it should be done only under professional supervision. Many people are happy with the results they get from Pilates, boasting strong, flexible joints and evenly trained muscles. You may have noticed that it even trains your mind and takes a great deal of determination to be successful at the method. Don’t worry about being inexperienced, you can adapt the workout to your own preferences. You don’t even have to break a sweat if you don’t want to.
So, are you ready to jump on this bandwagon?
Don’t like breaking a sweat? Maybe Pilates is what you need! http://t.co/3I58cKhE