These are the benefits I have personally found through my practice of Pilates:
1) Pilates is highly adaptable and progressive
Every exercise has regressions and progressions making it adaptable and challenging for every body from an absolute beginner to the most elite athlete.
2) Pilates promotes mindfulness
Concentrating on the body, movement and the breath is calming and encourages stress relief.
3) Pilates enables one to discover muscle imbalances and correct them
Although we may look symmetrical, we are not. We often have muscular imbalances from one side of our body to the other. Pilates helps us identify and work to correct these imbalances.
4) Pilates increases core strength and improves posture
Each exercise works from the inside out. It all begins at the core or center. Once we engage the core correctly and use the muscles properly (overcoming adaptations and compensations) the correct muscles work and our necks and shoulders can relax!
5) Pilates increases strength and flexibility
By working on the eccentric contraction (muscle lengthening) phase of the motion Pilates strengthens while lengthening the muscles causing the muscles to work harder. Pilates also lengthens with many “feel great” stretches.
6) Pilates improves posture
Pilates teaches proper alignment supported by proper breathing mechanics and strong core musculature including the transverse abdominis and obliques in addition to many others.
7) Pilates creates change
Improvement in muscle tone and posture will help you to function and move better. With these changes the transformation will begin and carry over into your overall well being.
For all these reasons I hope to share my knowledge of Pilates with you; Pilates is humbling, empowering, and a life changer!
