Yoga Health and Fitness Notes

by Tammy Foster

During World War I, Joseph Pilates developed a group of exercises to benefit bed bound patients during the recovery from war wounds. Not only did this group of exercises benefit the patients, this initial group of exercises ultimately came to be known as the basic of Pilates. Joseph H. Pilates eventually left England and came to New York where he eventually gained a rabid Pilates following.

Pilates basics are designed around helping you to get stronger, more flexible and even to have improved coordination. Pilates also uses specific sequential breathing methods combined with intense concentration on a specific body part to create an effective exercise routine. These are the basics of Pilates.

One of the keys to Pilates is your ability to focus on your powerhouse or your abdomen. This Pilates secret allows you to direct your concentration on the core of your body and by doing so Joseph Pilates taught that your body would begin to work more efficiently as a whole unit. This causes your muscles to work through their full range of motion.

The rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques make up the powerhouse of your body’s core. It is this combination of muscles along with the muscles of the spine that are the focus of intensity during the traditional Pilates exercises. A strong core is better able to support your body and to give you the balance and flexibility that you need.

When you are able to focus on the core muscles, you are also able to use Pilates to improve your balance, your strength, your flexibility and your coordination. With improvement in these areas you are less likely to sustain injuries. Once you have conquered the basics of Pilates and understand its benefits to your body, then you are more likely to continue to practice this art since it is clear to see the benefits of exercise such as this.

While Pilates is a kinder and gentler exercise, similar to yoga, it should not be mistaken for a “wimpy” exercise. Ask devotees of Winsor Pilates and they will be the first to tell you that Mari Winsor has created a Pilates exercise designed around “dynamic sequencing”. With “dynamic sequencing” Winsor Pilates aggressively works the core of to create a longer and leaner body.

One of the best things about Pilates is that it is gentle on the joints. For this reason it can be practiced by the majority of all folks, even those who are just getting started with a fitness routine. Many Pilates practitioners believe this form of exercise will leave you feeling better and not worse.

Pilates will leave you feeling taller, leaner, energized and confident. The breathing exercises that accompany all Pilates movements will help you to feel calmer and more centered.

Why not give it a try? Pilates basics is simply a group of exercises accompanied by specific breathing routines designed to help strengthen, tone and lengthen your musclesespecially those of the powerhouse.

More energy, confidence, strengthyes, that makes Pilates basics sound like a plan for me!

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Tags: fitness, yoga