Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:21 AM EDT
Pilates, a body and mind transforming method of exercise
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 Pilates emphasis is on strengthening your spine and back muscles which will also aid in preventing injury. |
 Leanne Tria is a Pilates Instructor currently teaching classes at Luxe Fitness in Westerly. |
Our Renew Yourself Naturally feature provides you with valuable information and advice from local experts who specialize in natural approaches to good health. In this feature, Pilates instructor Leanne Tria discusses ways you can transform your body and mind through exercise.
Pilates is a mind-body exercise that is based on the teachings and principles of the late Joseph H. Pilates. Pilates once known as the workout of the elite, has now entered the fitness mainstream. Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels, and performs. It enables you to build strength without adding excess bulk. You will become more toned, your muscles will be lengthened, and your posture greatly improved.
The major principle of Pilates is the breathing technique used. This technique allows for proper oxygenation of the blood during exercises and allows you to keep concentration and focus. The breathing pattern also aids in unnecessary neck and shoulder stress during the exercises so the emphasis is on your core muscles.
Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles whereas Pilates will elongate and strengthen your muscles making them less prone to injury. Pilates emphasis is on strengthening your spine and back muscles which will also aid in preventing injury. When we have excess weight through our mid-section your back is weakened and knocked out of proper alignment which results in poor posture and possible injuries.
Your performance in your everyday activities will be greatly improved. If you are hunched over a computer all day or in the car for a long commute, Pilates will help you alleviate the unnecessary stress these activities put on your body.
Pilates is a great addition to your cardio workout and will enhance these workouts by building your core strength. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Open any top fitness magazine and see that supermodels and Hollywood celebrities are doing Pilates to maintain beautiful physiques.
A great thing about Pilates is that it can be modified for anyone, whether pregnant or someone going through rehabilitation from an injury. Modifications to the exercises allow for a great range whether a beginner or someone who is ready for a challenge. Beginners will notice a change in their body in about 7-8 sessions. You will be surprised at how fast you core will be strengthened and your posture improved.
Click here for more of this article
Pilates is a mind-body exercise that is based on the teachings and principles of the late Joseph H. Pilates. Pilates once known as the workout of the elite, has now entered the fitness mainstream. Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels, and performs. It enables you to build strength without adding excess bulk. You will become more toned, your muscles will be lengthened, and your posture greatly improved.
The major principle of Pilates is the breathing technique used. This technique allows for proper oxygenation of the blood during exercises and allows you to keep concentration and focus. The breathing pattern also aids in unnecessary neck and shoulder stress during the exercises so the emphasis is on your core muscles.
Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles whereas Pilates will elongate and strengthen your muscles making them less prone to injury. Pilates emphasis is on strengthening your spine and back muscles which will also aid in preventing injury. When we have excess weight through our mid-section your back is weakened and knocked out of proper alignment which results in poor posture and possible injuries.
Your performance in your everyday activities will be greatly improved. If you are hunched over a computer all day or in the car for a long commute, Pilates will help you alleviate the unnecessary stress these activities put on your body.
Pilates is a great addition to your cardio workout and will enhance these workouts by building your core strength. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Open any top fitness magazine and see that supermodels and Hollywood celebrities are doing Pilates to maintain beautiful physiques.
A great thing about Pilates is that it can be modified for anyone, whether pregnant or someone going through rehabilitation from an injury. Modifications to the exercises allow for a great range whether a beginner or someone who is ready for a challenge. Beginners will notice a change in their body in about 7-8 sessions. You will be surprised at how fast you core will be strengthened and your posture improved.
Click here for more of this article
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