Why Pilates? It's Not All About Being Able To Touch Your Toes.

Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased range of motion for the joints.

Attention to core support and full-body fitness -- including the breath and the mind -- provide a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere.

Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs

Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an elite athlete or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement apply to you. Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates workouts can be tailored to individual needs.

Increases Flexibility

In Pilates, we work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints. You won't find quite as much "pretzel logic" in Pilates as you might in yoga, but a body that can stretch and bend to meet the flow of life is a very realistic goal.

Develops Core Strength

The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. These are the muscles we rely on to support a strong, supple back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When the core is strong, the frame of the body is supported. This means the neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of the muscles and joints are freed to do their jobs -- and not more. A nice side benefit is that the core training promotes the flat abs that we all covet.

Creates Strength without BulkLong, lean muscles are the name of the game here. In Pilates, we are not looking to build muscles for show. We are building toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of the body as a whole, and the functional fitness needs of a person as they move through life. 

Improves Posture

Good posture is a reflection good alignment supported by a strong core. It is a position from which one can move freely. Pilates trains the body to express itself with strength and harmony. You can see this in the beautiful posture of those who practice Pilates.

Increases Energy

It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you have and the more you feel like doing (to a point, of course). Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the good feelings one gets from exercising the whole body.

Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance

If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and a leaner look; Pilates improves muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel very fit.

Increases Awareness - Body/Mind Connection

Joseph Pilates was adamant that Pilates, or contrology as he called it, was about "the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit." This is one of the secrets of Pilates exercise: we practice each movement with total attention. When we exercise in this way, the body and mind unite to bring forth the most benefit possible from each exercise. The Pilates principles -- centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow -- are key concepts that we use to integrate body and mind.

What the Heck is a Kegel?

 

What does “Kegel exercise" mean to you?   Have you ever done exercises for your pelvic floor? Do you know what your pelvic floor is?

Your pelvis and the tilt of your pelvis, the muscles in your pelvis are very important for going to the bathroom (1&2), balance, posture and some types of hip and low back pain, sciatica and leg pain. You see where I am going here.  Most of us never think about our pelvis, pelvic floor we just take it for granted.  Well this kind of thinking does not bring us into old age gracefully! 

First and foremost the muscles at the bottom of your torso are so important for back stabilization, a strong pelvic diaphragm prevents urinary and fecal incontinence. It promotes good vaginal, uterine, prostrate and urethra health and with a strong pelvic floor less likelihood of having back pain.

So how do you even know where to start?  The first step is to start working your urethra but stopping the flow of urine when you go to the bathroom.  Next I would say check into Pilates.  Pilates focus’ on abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor muscles (core) as well as working every muscle in your body.  It works your mind and body, and I think it is good for your soul! 

Gaining body awareness through Pilates can change everything, posture, balance, movement, strength and alignment.  Awareness is the key. 

Having control over muscles you never knew existed is kind of mind blowing! Once you start working these muscles more blood flows to these areas and you have better control over everything. So this also helps erectile dysfunction(ED).  If you can get blood into the area that calls for blood then you may not need a blue pill!   

That goes for the vagina too.  If you have strong muscles down below, you are less likely to have issues with prolapse and uterine decent. We all want to keep it tight and keep everything up there.  Also if you have problems with feeling or pain in the pelvic region, Pilates can really help improve these symptoms.

Like any work out Pilates and strengthening your pelvic floor takes patience and some work.

Take control of your body and be able to age gracefully.