Pilates is a series of about five hundred exercises that Joseph Pilates created and were inspired by calisthenics, yoga and ballet. These exercises work to improve flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness.
Not only is Pilates a great physical experience designed to strengthen the body's core muscles, it is also a wonderful spiritual experience designed to focus the body on breathing. Good breathing practices promote better blood flow in the body.
Since the 1920's when Joseph Pilates created the exercises to help injured athletes, dancers and later war veterans, Pilates has been adapted to suit people of the general community.
Pilates is a non-aerobic form of exercises that draws strength from concentration and focus. The movements are meant to be low impact and the focus is on perfection of each movement instead of quantity of reps done, quality over quantity.
Even though Pilates is a very low impact form of exercise, it is important that is you have a pre-existing medical condition that you first speak with a doctor.
Pilates exercises improve flexibility and increase muscle strength, particularly the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks. These are considered the body's core muscles.
Another benefit of the Pilates exercises are balanced muscular strength on both sides of the body and enhanced muscular control of the back and limbs.
Another great advantage is improved stabilization of the spine, greater awareness of posture and improved physical coordination and balance.
Pilates helps relax and strengthen the back, shoulders and neck also. Many doctors have come to learn that Pilates is also a safe rehabilitation for joint and spinal injuries and the exercises when done properly will help aid in prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.
