PILATES
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is a system of more than 600 exercises created by Joseph Pilates over the last century to strengthen, stretch and balance the body, emphasizing proper postural alignment. A complete workout improves blood circulation, balance, coordination and aims to connect mind and body to make you reach the maximum awareness and knowledge of your body. Pilates targets the “powerhouse” muscles, which include the abdomen, glutes, inner thighs and lower back.
By practicing Pilates regularly, you can achieve a number of health benefits, including improved flexibility and stability. Pilates may also reduce recovery time after an injury or surgery.
PILATES, HOW IT HELPS
- Improves flexibility, joint mobility and muscle tone
- Lengthens and strengthens the body
- Corrects and improves posture
- Helps relieve both mild and chronic pain, migraines too
- Reduces every day fatigue and relieves stress
- Improves balance and coordination
- Increases lung capacity
- Helps in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
- Helps to recover from injury and surgery
- Supports pre and postnatal care
- Enhances athletic performance and prevents injury
PILATES FOR ATHLETES:
Pilates has endless applications for all sports:
While most athletes’ strength is only in their large muscle groups, by practising Pilates athletes can strengthen the smaller stabilizing muscles that surround the joints, as it involves both small and large muscle groups with each exercise;
Athletes can get stronger abs and glutes, which are crucial to obtain power, stability, speed and perfect use of arms and legs;
Athletes can learn how to maintain proper body alignment while moving in different planes, as Pilates works to balance the body and develop muscular symmetry;
Athletes can get more power in the swing, stride or quick-start as they learn how to transfer the energy used in the powerhouse to legs and arms;
Athletes can get more flexible and achieve their peak performance, as Pilates is about building muscles that are long and flexible enough to stand the required range of motion – thus, reducing injuries;
Athletes can improve their concentration and reflexes, as in Pilates the mind controls the body;
Athletes can improve breathing, which provides greater circulation and stamina, as proper breathing that oxygenates the blood is an important aspect of Pilates.