BUILD YOUR CORE
Stay fit by doing pilates; a complete workout for the mind and body
Pilates is much more than an exercise form. It is a sequence of well-designed movements, performed properly, with focus, concentration and correct deep breathing. These exercises not only develop a strong core, which is the powerhouse of the body, but also reduce the damage caused by stress, immobility or faulty exercise techniques may lead to injuries. Pilates develops the deep muscles of the back and abdomen which support the spine. This exercise form also focuses on breathing to activate specific muscles which promote better posture. So, it is a versatile mode of exercise, suitable for all age groups, and a typical session comprises varied exercise arrangements that are accomplished in low repetitions, typically 5 to 10 times, over a session of 45 to 90 minutes.
Core strength
Pilates exercises develop a robust “core” or centre of the body. The core comprises deep stomach muscles along with the muscles surrounding the spine. A sturdy core is vital for the efficiency of the body as a whole.
Develops long lean muscles
It develops and strengthens long and lean muscles and improves muscles elasticity and joint mobility. This in turn helps prevent injuries.
Improves bone density
Bone, like a muscle, responds to resistance and weight-bearing workouts. These resistance exercises include muscles pulling on the bone to generate tension, which ultimately strengthens the bone. So, pilates is a great workout for the your bones.
Relief from back pain
By strengthening the core, through proper posture and breathing techniques, pilates effectively tackles the rigid and tight back muscles. It also highlights the fundamental discrepancies that often cause poor stance and back discomfort.
Helps in reducing weight
The caloric burn achieved while performing pilates ranges from four to eight calories per minute, based on your body strength and concentration power. The measured moves in the exercise help in condensing body fats.
Lowers injuries due to falls
The improved strength, balance, and flexibility that one gets from pilates helps lowering the chances of injuries and falls. For example, if you are capable of increasing your hamstring suppleness by ten degrees, you will be less prone to back injuries when you bend down to pick up something from the ground. It also offers body cognizance to generate well-organised patterns of movement, reducing anxiety on joints and muscles.
Effective workout for mothersto-be and new mothers
Out of the many exercises recommended for pregnant women and also for women who have just delivered is pre and post-natal pilates. By strengthening the core muscles, in anticipation of the labour period, prenatal pilates offers to-be mothers benefits such as strengthening the deep abdominal, back and the pelvic muscles which tend to go through major changes during pregnancy. Strengthening these muscles also prepares the body for the strains caused by the weight of the baby, changes in the body, centre of gravity and posture. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will help support the uterus as the baby grows and moves down, and also the bowel and bladder, preventing incontinence.
It is also great for post-natal women. The post-partum body needs to heal after carrying a life for nine months and returning back to an exercise plan must be well thought out. Pilates restores the control, balance and confidence and eases you back into exercise. The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles that have been stretched are reconnected and strengthened.