The Many Benefits of Pilates

by Helen Carswell on December 17, 2009

Pilates offers a type of exercise that most other programs just cannot duplicate, and the benefits of Pilates are numerous. The body’s ability to perform and move is improved, and through continued practice, it can actually change the way your body looks and feels. Pilates has been popular with professional dancers for a long time, but in more recent years has also become extremely popular with non-dancers as well.

Two of the benefits of Pilates are an improved body awareness and better posture. Back pain is often relieved by the movements, and overall flexibility is improved. The end result of Pilates is often a toned and sleek body without the bulky look of muscles. Pilates can also help to prevent injuries because of helping the body become stronger and more flexible, which is why it is often popular with athletes.

Many people who do not want to add muscle bulk to their body are fans of Pilates. A benefit of Pilates is the strong muscle core that it helps develop, which are those muscles that are closest to the spine and those that are deep in the abdomen. The various exercises that are part of a Pilates workout build these muscles, creating an evenly conditioned body.

Back pain can often be decreased or prevented, because of the overall toning effect. The entire body becomes better balanced and supported when the core muscles are strengthened. The end result is a new ease with which one can perform normal daily activities.

Pilates is also a very safe workout, even though it is challenging. Many of the exercises are often used during physical therapy sessions because they can be done in a sitting or reclining position. The exercises are low impact, and can be performed by almost anyone. The exercises are also often recommended for the elderly, because of the fact that they are low impact, but can increase flexibility and help relieve arthritis symptoms.

Additional exercises and modifications can be added to existing exercises as one continues to advance in Pilates. A benefit of Pilates is that the same exercises can be used by beginners and experts by simply adding a few simple modifications to the movements.

The exercises and positions can help to re-train the body to move in better ways, which results in a more graceful type of movement. Because the body moves in safer and more efficient ways, there is a lessened likelihood that injuries will result during other activities. The entire body gets a workout when practicing Pilates, which keeps all the muscle groups toned and strengthened, instead of focusing on just one or two muscle groups like many other exercise programs do. The end result for those who practice Pilates is an evenly toned body that moves with balance and grace.

The fact that the mind is also involved during the exercise workout is yet another benefit of Pilates. Doing the various exercises and movements can create a sense of body and breathing awareness, which can be an extremely calming and relaxing influence.

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