Yoga and Pilates

The benefits of Pilates are huge, because this method is a well thought out fitness system to improve body strength and body balance through stretching.
Pilates concentrates mainly on the fundamental postural muscles which serve the balance of the body and provide significant spine support.

Pilates exercises specifically strengthen the postural muscles supporting neutral alignment of your spine, thus gradually increasing this alignment to help alleviate or prevent back pain.

Performing these exercises systematically, together with concentrated patterns of breathing, Pilates is a very helpful method to increase physical fitness and to recover from injuries. It’s a professional sports training as well.

Chiropractors highly recommend Pilates for back and spine strengthening. Consecutive Pilate’s workouts increase thinner waist and thighs, increment mobility to joints, enhance a flatter stomach and improve blood circulation.

Here are the main Pilates principles:

• Producing muscle strength, length and flexibility.
• Builds up consciousness of neutral spine alignment or proper posture during the exercises.
• Produces deep muscles to support good posture.
• Use respiration techniques to boost mental centering and focus.
• Involves the mind to concentrate and focus on improving muscle control and motion efficiency.

The main Pilates benefits are:

• Restore postural alignment.
• Create a more flexile and stronger spine.
• Condition efficient motion patterns to make your body less vulnerable for injuries.
• Relieve of back pains and joint stress.
• Relieve of tension by way of deep stretching, boost energy levels and reduce stress.
• Boost fast recovery from injury or strain.
• Intensify neuromuscular coordination.
• Improve circulation.
• Enhance stamina, agility and mobility.
• Improve the ‘look and feel’ of your body.
• Complements any sports training platform.

How to have the best results from your Pilates workout.

1. Remain focused. Pilates combines body movements with breathing sequence. It unites body and mind to relieve stress and anxiety.
2. Be comfortable. Perform Pilates exercises wearing comfortable clothing, without shoes. Stop as soon as you begin to feel pain, feel strained, or feel uncomfortable.
3. Avoid unsteady, fast movements, specially when changing from one position to the other. Movement should happen slowly yet flexible and strong.
4. Think about your heart. With fluidity in mind, you can increase the pace of your Pilates exercises so your “heart rate” gets going. A great sugestion is to combine your Pilates workout with a cardiovascular exercise such as swimming or brisk walking.

Because Pilates exercises are gentle and do not involve many bouncing around, it is also recommended to:

• Individuals with inadequate posture.
• People looking for rehabilitation by way of physical therapy.
• Persons suffering from arthritis because it helps reduce muscle stiffness.
• Overweight individuals and the elderly since no bouncing, jumping or lifting is needed.
• New mothers who want to recover their body shape as it provides famous results in the abdomen.

Pilates is for all ages, for everyone. Anyone can participate and enjoy its benefits!