Streamline Your Body With Pilates

A free article on Stress Management

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germay during the early 1900's. In World War II, he used his exercises to strengthen and rehabilitate soldiers, many of whom were bedridden. Today, Pilates includes exercises for every part of the body and can be applied to every kind of activity or sport. Over 10 million people are now practicing Pilates in the United States and the numbers keep growing.

Pilates focuses on engaging the mind with the body. Every exercise is done with proper breathing and form with effecient movement patterns. Pilates strengthens the core (lower abdominals), improves balance, increases coordination and decreases stress. The exercises are relatively safe and appropriate for any age group because they focus on learning to move better and the benefits are felt in everyday life.

You will find Pilates in fitness centers, private studios, rehabilitation clinics, even hospitals to improve the health and well-being of the individual. Pilates will give you a full-body workout in a gentle and very effective manner because you learn to use your body as a whole unit instead of isolating muscle groups like in weight training.

The key to Pilates is being aware of flattening your abdominals to stabilize your pelvis area and lower back. There are 6 principles that define Pilates which will enhance your workout:

1. Concentrate - your mind must concentrate on visualizing your muscles doing the work, engaging your lower abdominal muscles (the Powerhouse)while doing each exercise.

2. Control - Pilates requires you maintain proper form, alignment and effort so you receive maximum benefit from each exercise.

3. Core - the core is the Powerhouse - this includes the lower abdominal muscles from where all energy for each movement begins. It means developing a strong, stable and flexible center from which all movement radiates.

4. Smooth - Pilates movements are never rushed so please do not be in a hurry to complete each exercise.

5. Precision - each movement has purpose and is the end product of concentration, control, centering yourself and practice.

6. Breathe - the breath is the essential link between the mind and the body. It can actually draw a wandering mind back to the body and the task at hand. The breath is integrated into every movement to keep awareness on the movement or exercise, improve the flow of oxygen throughout the body and improve lung capacity.

All the movements in Pilates are done with a sense of rhythm and flow to create smooth, graceful and functional movements. Understanding, developing and maintaining correct alignment and form is essential in Pilates. These principles will become second nature and lead to improved posture, increased comfort and enhanced physical strength.

It is important to work with a qualified Pilates Instructor who can help you get started with a personal program designed for you. A qualified instructor can help you understand the balance between effort and relaxation. You will learn to use the right amount of effort needed to complete an exercise correctly, no more and no less, and in the process release unnecessary tension in the body.

Joseph Pilates died in 1967, however, I am grateful for all the teachers and instructors who have kept his methods of training alive and well. Pilates has become a household name and has become one of the most popular forms of exercise practiced today. You can develop a strong, streamlined physique and achieve proper balance between the mind and body.

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