The Pilates approach focuses on the trunk or core of your body where over 60% of your bodies’ musculature is located. Your arms and legs are of course working however they are focused on secondary to the torso.
Pilates’ exercises develop strong abdominals, back muscles, glutes, pelvic floor and deep postural muscles to support the spine and central nervous system. Regular practice of the Pilates method strengthens the core, improves flexibility, lengthens the spine, improves posture, builds muscle tone and increases body awareness. It also leaves you feeling so good in your body rather than achey and exhausted like many traditional exercise routines. Pilates is also ideal for people with chronic and acute injuries and excellent for rehabilitation of the shoulder, back hips, knees and ankles. It is also great for elite athletes since it promotes muscular balance, flexibility and injury prevention. Whether you are new to fitness or a veteran athlete Pilates is beneficial, it promotes and maintains the integrity of our muscular skeletal structure rather than abuse it and deteriorate it like so many harsh abusive forms of exercise do.
The Pilates approach reduces stress and fatigue while undoing the physical and mental stresses we place on our body each day. Prolonged sitting is detrimental for our health and creates a laundry list of physicals imbalances and weakness. Pilates helps to restore neutral posture by stretching muscles that become tight in our daily lives and strengthen those that become weak.
The Pilates technique emphasizes control of movement. As you progress with your Pilates practice you will notice precision of movement and stability of your pelvis and torso. This may sound foreign now but it does become natural and movements do begin to flow as you connect the breath and movement or mind and body. The most amazing aspect is when your Pilates fundamentals carry over into everyday life. I used to drive around San Diego with my shoulders at my ears in a tense manner. Since Pilates I apply the fundamental into my everyday life like driving, cooking, typing and everything else. Now when I drive I lengthen my spine, draw my abdominals in and allow my shoulders to relax down my back. It is a much better way to live!