Depending on how often you practice, the benefit of Pilates training include:
* Improving tone
* Building muscle
* Increasing flexibility
* Greater energy
* Improving strength
* And even losing weight
Just as important, Pilates is wonderful tool for making peace with your body and incorporating a greater sense of calm and well-being into your daily life. While most people begin the practice because they want to look good, most stay with it because it makes them feel better, too. They appreciate the fact that Pilates is about the “whole,” and they enjoy the improvements it brings in many areas of their lives. Pilates truly is more than “just another workout.” It’s a way of life – one you’ll be glad you pursued.
Questions about Pilates
What’s the difference between Pilates and yoga?
That’s a good question. Both practices incorporate Eastern thought. Both offer numerous benefits. And both emphasize a mind-body-spirit connection that many other exercise programs overlook. However Pilates focuses more on the “core” of the body, namely the spine. Pilates uses repetitions while yoga emphasizes holding poses, and you’ll often hear more about toning and conditioning during Pilates practice.
I’d like to start doing Pilates. However I’m already seriously involved in a cardiovascular program. Is it possible to do both?
YES. Pilates can be combined with any number of other exercise practices – and pursued at a variety of intensity levels. Strength training with Pilates training can provide an Excellent workout routine. Also, if you’re a serious runner for example, you can use Pilates to provide a good warm-up prior for your jog.
When will I start to see results?
The results you experience will largely depend on how often and how long you practice Pilates. However you should start to feel results almost immediately.
Below is a breakdown of some of the exercises:
Breathing
- Pelvic Curl
- Lying Spine Twist
- Chest Lift (crunch)
- Chest Lift with Rotation (oblique crunch)
- Leg Circles
- Single Leg Stretch
- Shoulder Bridge
- Spine Stretch
- Sitting Spine Twist
- Side Leg Lifts
- Basic Swan
- Single Leg Kick
- Cat Stretching
- Back Support (planks)
- Front Support (reverse planks, tabletop position, chest up)
- Basic Teaser
- Relaxation