For years Pilates has been popular with women looking to improve their flexibility and strengthen their core. But, a new study out shows that the exercises designed for total body conditioning are now attracting a record number of men.
Some 12.5 million people participated in Pilates in 2006, the latest year for which figures are available, up from 9.4 million in 2003, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. What’s more, of those 12.5 million more than a third are men. That’s up more than half from 2003.
Experts theorize that the growing number of men who are supplementing their workouts with Pilates do so because they have a vague notion it will help them with back issues. But, aiding spinal issues is just one of the benefits Pilates participants gain from the exercises.
Back Benefits. Pilates focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced. Since these muscles are essential in providing support for the spine, strengthening them can help alleviate and prevent back pain.
Alleviate Neck Pain. If you spend your day hunched over a computer keyboard, Pilates moves and poses can help alleviate neck and shoulder pain. The stretches involved in Pilates loosen tight muscles and brings relief to stiff joints.
Promotes Better Balance. One of the reasons Pilates is embraced by athletes and older folks is that it helps to improve balance and coordination. Older individuals often lose their balance and are susceptible to injuries from falls. Pilates also helps “rebalance” people who use one side of their body more often than the other, such as golfers, tennis players, even mothers who tend to carry their babies on one side of their body.
Low-Impact. Since it is low-impact, Pilates can be adapted to every skill or fitness level, from seniors to elite athletes. Pilates exercises focus on quality not quantity and targets muscle groups that best benefit the body.
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