Exercise

Pilates – Information

February 18, 2010
By Dr Shabbir Ahmed

Through Pilates, the body is trained to express itself with harmony and strength. The body is flooded with good feelings as the circulation system is stimulated.Pilates focuses on building a strong core system which is the basis for a healthy, fit body. The Pilates exercises are easy exercises that focus on maintaining good posture and enhancing graceful movement. It emphasizes correct pelvic and spinal alignment. It is gentle to the body while providing a challenging workout. Pilates is an exercise that caters to all age groups.

Pilates enhances flexibility, agility and helps in alleviating back pain. You learn to control your movements and your mind becomes attuned to your body. The quality of movement is emphasized over the quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is achieved which also helps in reducing day to day stress. Pilates improves muscle elasticity and mobility of joints thus strengthening the body and making it less prone to injuries. Even the smallest of body parts such as the ankle is conditioned through Pilates workout. This form of exercise is used in conjunction with physiotherapy to rehabilitate injuries.

You do not require any heavy, expensive equipment and you can do Pilates anywhere, anytime.

It is ideal for people with joint pain as no stress is placed on your joints especially your shoulder and knee joints. For good results, you need to do Pilates at least thrice a week. You will find that every workout session will leave you feeling, relaxed, rejuvenated and balanced. You will feel healthier both outside and inside. The aging process is reversed by stabilizing your core. By being actively involved in this form of exercise, you can avoid developing osteoporosis. Stress incontinence is another problem suffered by older people as well as pregnant women. Pilates helps reduce this problem by strengthening pelvic muscles.

Pilates offers workouts for people at any level. The 6 Pilates principles are:

? Centering

? Control

? Flow

? Breath

? Precision

? Concentration

Pilate’s exercise are done on the floor or on a mat.There is no stress placed on any of the body muscles and you can safely try Pilates as it does not involve any heavy duty exercise. It conditions your body and mind and you will feel totally refreshed after just a single workout session. Pilates works for people with any condition.

Dr Shabbir Ahmed is a family physician in the uk with interests including complimentary/alternative treatments as well as main stream medicine. http:/ http://www.drshabbirahmed.com/pilates

Share and Enjoy: