Pilates
The Benefits of Pilates Fitness
For anyone looking to invigorate their exercise routine, Pilates offers a wide range of benefits. Designed originally for dancers, pilates exercise target the core muscles of the abdomen and can be performed on Pilates equipment or on a mat. Pilates DVDs usually practice mat pilates and are an excellent way to perform Pilates at home.
The Muscle Exercise performed in pilates results in the development of lean muscle rather than the more bulky look often associated with Body Building. However, the core strengthening exercises benefit anyone who engages in strenuous activity by providing both abdominal strength, which helps prevent back injuries, and flexibility, which can prevent pulled muscles. Pilates offers a great alternative for those looking to strengthen and tone their bodies without adding size to their muscles. And because pilates fitness focuses on the whole body, the exercise achieves a long, lean look from head to toe rather than focusing merely on one or two areas.
Pilates yogaintegrates the practice of hatha yoga with pilates. The routine rotates though a regiment of yoga poses as well as Pilates exercises. The two practices, while similar in purpose, both emphasizing flexibility and strength, are distinct in function; yoga depends on static poses and pilates depends on constant, though fluid, movment. Yoga poses emphasize flexibility, while Pilates exercises focus on strength. The addition of yoga compliments the nature of pilates exercise providing addition training in flexibility. The combination of Pilates and yoga has become increasingly popular in the last few years as more people have become aware of the benefits of Pilates yoga.
Recently Exercise Programs providing instruction in pilates have sprung up everywhere. Reputable programs can be found in most communities. However, because of the unrestricted use of the term Pilates, anyone can offer a class without having any specific training in or knowledge of the exercise. Be sure to ask about any special training your instructor might have received, as well as where they were trained. As always, only take classes from a reputable facility.
Pilates is a great way to begin your fitness journey or to diversify your exercise routine. With a little practice anyone can become proficient and enjoy the myriad benefits of the training.
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