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Pilates, by Mark Bentz, RMT |
Pilates health and exercise regimen is a distinct and result-oriented system to accomplish body sculpting, fat burning and muscle strengthening. Pilates is used by dancers, performers and athletes as well as disabled, injured and depressed. In all cases, the pilates system yields maximum projected results in a set period of time. Disbursed by certified trainers, it can be practiced with or without its specialized pilates equipment.
Pronounced as ˜pu-lah-teez", the pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates and Clara Pilates from Germany in 1920s. Joseph was a performer and a boxer and his wife Clara was a nurse. Joseph was living in England when the first world war began and was interned in different army camps in England with other German nationals. Here, he began to improve and develop the pilates exercise method to treat sick and injured by assuming the role of a caretaker/nurse, and improvising to create needed equipment with springs from hospital beds. On the outside, his wife Clara also involved herself with healing, and was instrumental in fine-tuning the pilates method to a scientific method as we know it now.
Based on Yoga, Zen, Greek and Roman health/body concepts, pilates delivers a powerhouse method of lengthening and strengthening muscle without building bulk or stressing bones and joints. Pilates is known to help cardiovascular health and improve athletic capabilities but it does a lot more than that as it is an open doorway to the health and beauty of mind and body. Pilates inculcates graceful and coordinated movements, toned muscle and a healthy complexion.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates is based on cultivating balance and control of the body and this quality surfaces in everything we do. When practiced with Pilates trainers, the pilates exercise regimen may yield the following benefits to health, beauty and life:
1. Because of the inclusion of a breathing component, the pilates method is
known to increase health and capacity of lungs;
2. Blood circulation improves with improved breathing, serving nutrition to
all body parts;
3. Pilates method delivers flexibility and strength to all muscles in the body
but is especially recommended for muscles in the back and abdomen;
4. Increases coordination in the body both at the muscular and mental levels;
5. Core, posture and balance are greatly strengthened;
6. Pilates exercises increase bone density and improve health of joints;
7. Inculcates a positive awareness and feel of the body.
There are many pilates exercise studios around the world, most are characterized by airy, bright workout environment that boasts specialized pilates equipment such as the reformers, Cadillac, stability chair, stability ball, barrels, mat work, rotational disks, foam roller and fitness circle. Designed to imbibe core strength, balance and slimming pilates equipment is constructed to the highest standards of its industry.
There are various brand name companies practicing pilates method and offering state of the art specialized pilates equipment, Stotts and Winsor are two such methods that coordinate activities through a non-profit association that regulates and implements standards to all pilates disciplines the world over. This international body also manages pilates certification and education programs.
Some pilates disciplines may not use any equipment.
A session of pilates exercise usually lasts an hour. Many patients find the experience larger than a mere one-hour exercise as it provides awareness of the body and its workings, energizing cardiovascular and circulatory systems and toning the muscle.
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