The Basics of Pilates Exercises

Introduction

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The basics of Pilates are based on a series of exercises that Joseph H. Pilates designed to help the soldiers of war to regain their strength.

After serving the broken and injured soldiers of the war, Joseph eventually bought his new exercise program to the United States where he gained a loyal following in the state of New York.

Pilates basics are designed around helping you to get stronger, more flexible and even to have improved coordination. Pilates also uses specific sequential breathing methods combined with intense concentration on a specific body part to create an effective exercise routine. These are the basics of Pilates.

With Pilates, one of the very first things you will need to learn is to focus on the "powerhouse" or the core of your body. It is just a fancy way of saying "your abdomen". The basics of Pilates teach that if you work your body movements from the core or the powerhouse, then your muscles will move more easily and fully through their entire range of motion.

With the focus of Pilates being on the abdominal muscles, these muscles must get stronger in order to allow you to fully execute the movements of Pilates. The spinal and abdominal muscles make up the powerhouse muscles and should be your focus throughout each movement. The abdominal muscles are made up of the rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques.

The basics of Pilates also leads to improvement in your balance, your coordination and flexibility and even in your strength. It is a bit hard to believe but by focusing on your powerhouse and moving through each Pilates exercise you will soon feel the difference in your body.

Yes, Pilates is rather similar to yoga but there are also many distinct differences, particularly since Pilates focuses so heavily on the powerhouse and breathing combination.

One of the hardest versions of Pilates to hit the market is the Winsor Pilates system designed my Mari Winsor. Mari designed her method of Pilates on the original but with a twist she calls "dynamic sequencing" which means the order in which you perform the exercises make them more effective. Mari Winsor Pilates has a very loyal and devout following.

Because Pilates is not a joint-jarring exercise, it can be practiced by people at varying fitness levels. But make no mistake, this is indeed a workout. However, this exercise workout will leave you feeling invigorated and strong.

Pilates will leave you feeling taller, leaner, energized and confident. The breathing exercises that accompany all Pilates movements will help you to feel calmer and more centered.

So why not give Pilates a try? You will be glad you did and your body will thank you for it! The basics of Pilates give you a certain set of exercises along with specific breathing patterns all focused on helping your tone and strengthen your abdominal powerhouse.

Pilates basics is a well organized and thoughtful series of exercises that can help you to find more strength, tone, and even confidence. Most of all Pilates can help you to restore and maintain your health.

For more information on healthy living, be sure to visit the-health-hub.com where you'll find information on health topics such as stress reduction, diet and exercise, heart health & more.

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Cite This Page (APA): Tammy Foster. (2009, February 12). The Basics of Pilates Exercises. Disabled World. Retrieved September 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/exercise/pilates/pilates-basics.php

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