What Is Pilates – Is It For Athletes Or General Population
Pilates was not necessarily designed for the more athletic person, but that is who made the exercise system so popular. In the beginning when Joseph Pilates developed the system it was based on a non-strenuous theory, because he had several health problems that limited his abilities. As the exercise system came into existence many people found themselves asking “what is Pilates”. As with any other exercise system there were critics that ranted the system was too meek to show any positive results. After a period of time and when dancers, athletes as well as actresses/actors began showing results it silenced the critics. Today there are many stages of Pilates, exercise equipment and different spins to the original exercise system. Just about anyone can use Pilates regardless of their fitness level. Some people have combined the Pilates method with a Yoga class for peek results. Pilates and Yoga have a great deal in common so combining the two is fairly easy to do. Today few are asking “what is Pilates” because there are Pilates classes, and DVD’s extending the system to professionals as well as the general public. The Pilates system is based on the concentration and allowance of the mind to control the muscles, leading the body into an efficient exercise system. This concentration elicits an internal strength that allows the body to condition, burn fat and increase flexibility. The strengthening of the core muscles and flexibility is the major reason that dancers all over the world have adopted the Pilates system. Good concentration, flexibility and improved range of motion can allow dancers to excel at their profession. Gymnastics have reported that after using the Pilates system for a period of time that they are better able to concentrate during competitions. This is because the mind is a large muscle too and it requires practice just as the rest of the body. To answer the question of what is Pilates – for athletes or general public – it is for everyone. Anyone that wants to improve their fitness level, gain concentration, improve flexibility or lose weight can benefit from the system. Beginners can start out on the floor mat with hundreds of exercises to learn the basic principles of the exercise method. After advancing and building strength most Pilate’s users move to the more advanced equipment. Exercise equipment such as the stability ball, reformers and other pieces enhance the workout session greatly. The reformer can be a 100% workout with only one machine! The stability ball can help with flexibility, posture and balance. Combining all that Pilates has to offer can give the body a healthy workout that will not strain or risk injury at all. Phoenix Pilates >> Stott Pilates >> Winsor Pilates >> Balanced Body |
