Pilates, a method of exercise emphasizing controlled movement and breathing exercises, was developed over a century ago. Now with more than ten million dedicated fans in the US, Pilates has also become a favorite pastime for a number of A-list celebrities. The exercise technique has obviously proven to be way more than just a temporary fad. So what is it about Pilates that leaves celebrities and friends looking so toned and fit? In addition to improving your physical appearance, Pilates also offers amazing benefits for your mental and emotional health! Here are 5 reasons why you should start Pilates today.
Be Lean and Fit Rather than Big and Bulky
Many people refrain from lifting weights in their exercise regimen. Women, in particular, are usually afraid of developing a physique resembling Mr. Clean. However, some form of weight lifting is crucial to keep your muscles strong. Luckily, Pilates strengthens your muscles while only using your body weight as resistance. This method makes you toned and fit, without making you look too bulky. Also, working out your muscles makes you less likely to suffer from osteoporosis during old age!
Total Body Work Out
The various exercises in Pilates target your whole body. You can work out various muscle groups during an exercise routine. Plus, as you build muscle mass to replace fat tissue, your metabolism speeds up. This means you can eat more calories without gaining extra weight. Or if you are looking to lose weight, your body will burn calories much faster!
Build Your POWERHOUSE
Pilates focuses on building the core, also known as your powerhouse. Many health experts claim building your core is the most important precursor to strengthening your other muscles. A strong powerhouse makes it easier to work out your back muscles as well as your upper arms. With a strong core, you can more easily and successfully engage in other athletic activities too. In fact, some professional football and basketball players claim Pilates has changed their lives!
Convenience Leads to Consistency
Do you frequently travel for work? Do you think gym memberships are unnecessarily expensive? Pilates can save the day! Everyone has a right to good health your busy work schedule and budget shouldn't interfere with that right. Pilates requires very little, inexpensive equipment. You can invest in a mat and band for less than $40. Plus, you can do your Pilates exercises from the convenience of your living room or even your hotel. You may want to buy a video that goes over some exercises with you. Once you get the hang of things, you'll be able to them on your own.
Mental Health
In general, most exercises provide a wealth of benefits for your brain and emotions. When your body is working hard, it releases endorphins, which leave you feeling refreshed and happy. Pilates goes a step further. Because you must concentrate on your breathing while building your powerhouse, you become more aware of your body and what it needs. Plus, intense concentration on your breathing patterns can help you target the right muscles and do exercises correctly! Become in tune with your own body today add Pilates to your work out.
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This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of nursing colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: kitty.holman20@gmail.com.
When we do regular exercise then that makes us lean and healthy. We should maintain you in that way which does not make is more bulky or heavy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas.(Even though I hate "the 100" I already include Pilates in the program I'm using through http://www.reallifeforhealth.com. Have you heard of them? Their system is really easy to use and it does everything. They have 1000's of different recipes to choose from and they help you build a fitness and nutrition plan that suits your goals. Their exercises are all made by a certified personal trainer and come with printable workout cards and details of how the exercises are done. And for the nutrition part they even send you printable daily meal plans and menus, as well as printable daily or weekly grocery lists, which are broken down by the area of the grocery store or supermarket. All the recipes contain 12 ingredients or less, so they are easy enough for anyone to cook. I'm happy that there's no fad diets, pills, or required supplements. I'm really impressed with it, especially since they offer a free trial. If you try it, I hope it works as well for you as it has been for me.
ReplyDeleteIn the past years, this exercise had been part of choice for dancers, gymnasts, and a host of famous Hollywood celebrities only but now as you said there are many people who are turning round this!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that makes pilates great is that you can start right in your own home. There is really no equipment needed to start a pilates mat class in your living room. Test it out and if you like you should find a local class!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Pilates experience...
Todd
www.toddpilates.com
Pilates is absoulutely amazing! It is graet for improving core strength, it tones the whole body and it gives you such nice muscle definition.
ReplyDeleteI could not imagine my life without doing Pilates!
I used to suffer with my lower back really bad, spent thousands of $$$ on chiro, until I decided to try Pilates, I knew I had to do some forme of exercise, I was 20yo and my back felt about 70yo!
That was 6 years ago, I haven't been to the chiro since!