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A Pilates Routine: Everything You Need to Know
Pilates
Instituting a Pilates routnie into your workout offers a wonderful way to strengthen and tone your body while also supporting improved flexibility, endurance, circulation and mental focus. This system, invented in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates, combines yoga, aerobic training, classic martial arts, and precision movements into a successful structure that conditions and builds up the body and supports overall wellness. It is, in fact, so successful that many people who engage in Pilates regularly find they’re healthier and don’t seem to get injured as easily.
The Holistic Connection
Pilates is as much a philosophy and a lifestyle choice as it is a practice. It’s holistic in that it engages body and mind with the goal being a harmonious marriage of breath, movement and mindfulness. There are six key components to using a Pilates routine to strengthen and tone your body, beginning with breath. Breathing pours oxygen into your blood. In turn blood moves through our bodies to renew and refresh. The proper Pilates breath goes deeply into the side and back of the ribs, followed by an equally controlled exhale.
Next comes centering. Every person has a unique center of gravity. Pilates exercises often begin in that region them move outward. In the East, this area is where a person’s power is thought to reside. By building that core akin to a cornerstone, Pilates encourages greater vitality throughout the body.
The third part of Pilates training is concentration. It’s important to get to know your body intimately and learn to listen to what it’s telling you. By concentrating on breathing and movement, you will also get to know your body in a new way and teach it muscle control, which happens to be the next attribute Pilates develops.
The fourth item Pilates felt was very important was precision. Each movement in this program is sculpted and has a purpose. In turn, the individual using a Pilates routine to strengthen and tone their body should be very purposeful and precise. It takes time and practice to get the 34 floor exercises’ movements just right, so be patient with yourself. In time, you’ll find that some of the motions evidence themselves in the way you sit, stand, and carry yourself.
Last but not least Pilates stresses the flow of movement. If you think of a wave that has no discernable end or beginning, Pilates movements are intended to smoothly transition one into the other. The goal here is building endurance and stamina.
Equipment?
There is a wide variety of equipment that can be used in a Pilates routine. Most of the equipment comes under the heading of “resistance” machines. However, these machines are not necessary to your overall success with Pilates. Truthfully, once you learn to concentrate, release anxiety and go with the overall flow of the exercises, you’ll find a pilates routine leaves you looking and feeling much better.
The popularity of Pilates is growing rapidly because it’s very safe, reasonable activity that nearly anyone can utilize. However before starting any new exercise program like Pilates, it’s always good to check with your physician (especially if you have medical conditions).
Want to know more about the Pilates routine?
The personal trainers at Masterful Living are knowledgeable in a wide breadth of exercise routines and can help you identify what routine is best for you. Head over to the Masterful Living site, check out the coach's profiles, and set an appointment to consult live online at a time of your choice. It's that easy!
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