For many people, exercise has become part of their daily lives. There are many different exercise regimens out there and television and the media is filled with infomercials claiming benefits from specific types of equipment and exercise plans. There are so many different forms of exercise to choose from, and so many options offered at gyms and health clubs, choosing an exercise program can be difficult.
While many different programs can be combined to achieve the benefits of strengthening, toning and conditioning, it is possible to get all of these benefits from one exercise program: Pilates. Created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, the discipline was developed as a way to physically rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Today, Pilates is an invigorating, refreshing exercise program enjoyed by thousands in gyms and homes around the world.
The key to Pilates is to focus on the abdominal muscles, the lower back and the buttocks while doing the exercise movements. Joseph Pilates referred to these muscles as “the Powerhouse.” By concentrating and focusing on the Powerhouse muscles, effective workouts can be done with very little repetition. Strengthening these muscle groups leaves you feeling more alert and refreshed and improves your posture and body alignment.
Some of the benefits of a Pilates workout include:
1) Improved flexibility. The series of controlled and deliberate movements in Pilates develop and strengthen the entire body, beginning with the muscles in the abdomen and back. By focusing on developing these muscles, the entire body becomes more focused.
2) Calming of the mind. Since Pilates is a series of movements done slowly and deliberately, it takes concentration and focus. This type of focus calms and targets the mind, slows the breathing and leaves you feeling even more refreshed after completing your workout.
Pilates can be done by anyone regardless of fitness level. The method is safe for everyone, even pregnant women, and those who are not currently engaged in an exercise program. Of course, one should consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program.
While Pilates was originally designed as a series of 500 exercise movements to be done on specially designed equipment, today Pilates can be practiced in the comfort of home with little more than a mat and an exercise DVD. Pilates machines are still available and used in some gyms by certified instructors, but are not necessary for the toning benefits of Pilates.
Celebrities have used Pilates for years to improve flexibility and tone and strengthen the body. When Julia Roberts wanted to tone and strengthen her abdominal muscles after giving birth to twins, she turned to performing her daily routine of Pilates. Even people who do not traditionally like to exercise because they get bored with the same routine stick with this form. With hundreds of different movements available in a workout, things are never dull and results are shown within a week. Since the discovery of what celebrities and exercise enthusiasts have known for years; the benefits to the mind and the body through a Pilates practice has become the newest trend in fitness.