The Pilates workout can increase abdominal strength and flexibility while you build lean muscle. This workout is very popular with people of all ages and fitness levels.
Joseph Pilates has been called a genius for inventing what he originally called “Contrology”. He said,
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” Today, his imaginative and effective workout is simply referred to as Pilates and has many devoted fans worldwide. Said to increase flexibility and decrease pain, this workout has been shown to have numerous physical and physiological benefits.
What exactly is Pilates? It is a series of movements designed to increase core strength and flexibility, thus affecting range of motion and circulation. Designed to originally help rehabilitate prisoners of war in the 1920’s, this method of exercise has become very popular among the senior citizens, pregnant women, actors/actresses, dancers and athletes. Many people claim to have less pain and better posture after doing these workouts.
This workout is about the mind just as it is about the body. You must be focused and centered to have desired results. Using your mind so intently and focusing on moving your body in a precise, controlled manner will help mental clarity and build muscle at the same time.
The Pilates workout is not designed to maximize the quantity of repetitions, but rather the quality of repetitions. For instance, you could do 20 reps in poor form and do 10 reps in excellent form. Trainers will tell you to go for the 10. You will see better results, experience fewer (if any) injuries and have a more positive experience if you maintain proper form.
So what are the benefits of doing exercise in such a controlled, thought-out manner? With contrology, as the founder called it, the focus is on your core. Your core is the center of your body, so your abdominal muscles and your spine are focal points. By moving these muscles in a concentrated, well-thought-out manner, you can increase abdominal strength which affects many other areas of your body. A well strengthened core improves your posture, gets your circulatory system working better and can help decrease back pain. You will focus on your core through every exercise, whether you’re involving the legs, arms or torso.
Now you’re probably wondering how to get started with such a workout. There are numerous DVD’s and books that demonstrate the movements that bring the benefits discussed here. However, since so much emphasis is on correct form, it is beneficial to take a class at a local gym or workout studio. Learning the exercises correctly is very important to success. Having a trainer walk you through each exercise will ensure that you are performing it correctly, thus resulting in better muscle development and strength. Additionally, since you will be doing floor work and using some machines, taking a class will give you access to the equipment you need without a huge financial investment
Maybe you’ve tried fad diets and gym memberships. Perhaps you’ve spent hours on an elliptical machine or running on a treadmill. Have the results been the ones you have desired? Do you have a lot of weight to lose or do you just need to tone your body? If you are looking for a way to build lean muscles and increase your mental clarity, you should give Pilates a try. You can increase your range of motion, improve your posture and tone your body in a way you’ve never done before.
