Pilates...the New Exercise Craze!

Pilates is a fitness workout that builds flexibility, strength, and endurance without adding muscle mass by focusing primarily on the abdominal, hip, and back muscles, called the body's "core" muscles. It was created more than 90 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates, a German athlete who devised his own exercise technique after studying yoga, Zen, and the physical training used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Pilates was also a proponent of the mind-body connection and his exercises include focused breathing and mental concentration. From the very beginning Pilates based many of his exercises on a piece of exercise equipment called "The Reformer," a wooden bench that uses pulleys, springs, and sliding boards to create resistance. Today there are a variety of special machines that may be used in Pilates, including home versions of the Reformer and others, but many Pilates exercises can be done on a floor mat. And you need only minimal Pilates equipment, like a Pilates ring that you hold for certain exercises. With so many Pilates DVDs available, too, the choice is yours — you can take a class at a gym or fitness center or practice it at home with machines, on a mat, or both. The Benefits of Pilates: The fitness benefits of Pilates include long, firm, flat muscles, a flat tummy, a strong back, and good posture. Additional benefits include: 1.Improved heart and lung health. Pilates breathing exercises can increase your lung capacity and, although you don't have to break a sweat, you can increase the aerobic part of your exercises to get your heart working harder and improve the flow of oxygen in your blood. 2.Increased balance and flexibility. In addition to toning and strengthening muscles, Pilates also stretches muscles and improves your range of motion for greater flexibility, balance, coordination, and agility. 3.Mental benefits. Because Pilates stresses concentration and focused breathing, it also heightens the mind-body connection, which can help relieve stress and anxiety. 4.Safety. Pilates is a low-impact type of exercise that can be adapted to your own physical condition. Even if you are not in great shape now, you can get started in Pilates. However, discuss your fitness level with your Pilates instructor and avoid any advanced moves until you’re able to accomplish them safely. If you were ever interested in trying Pilates you absolutely should. Not only will you feel better but you will notice a difference in how you look. You will have better posture and more toned legs and abdominals. Also it is such a relaxing way to move your body you may forget that you are actually exercising. If you are unsure on how to start I would suggest getting a few sessions with an instructor so you can understand how the movements should feel and how the breathing should go.