Out of your fitness routine? Never exercised? Have not exercised in a while? Bored with your exercise regimen? Need a new challenge? Fall back into shape with Pilates! Pilates exercise, created in the 1920’s by a man named Joseph Pilates, is no fitness fad, and is here to stay because it works. Among the many benefits of Pilates exercise is that it can be adjusted to fit the needs and interests of all kinds of people. Pilates is for men, women, elite athletes, seniors, pregnant women, yoga enthusiasts, people with back pain, and everyone in between.
To get in shape with Pilates is to embark on an amazing journey of not just physical fitness, but as Joseph Pilates said “a complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit”. Everyone likes to talk about the flat abs Pilates gives you or the long, lean muscles, even weight loss. If one commits to Pilates training those are among the benefits you can enjoy. In doing Pilates the goal is “a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.” (Joseph Pilates).
In order for the Pilates method to work its magic, the exercises should be done with certain principles in mind. Pilates principles include: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, flow and whole body development. These ideas are integral to achieving the dramatic results for which Pilates is known; a body that is strong, flexible, and able to gracefully accommodate the movement demands of one’s life. If consistent in Pilates training, one’s fitness level will continue to improve. As one progresses, the pace of a workout picks up as do the strength and stability challenges.
Pilates can be done on the floor (called Mat exercises) or on specialized equipment, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel or other small apparatus. To embark on a Pilates program tailored to the individual, seek out a Certified, experienced Pilates instructor.
Patricia Massey Welter
Patricia Massey Welter, PMA®-CPT, Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master™, Second Generation Pilates Teacher – Suncoast Pilates – 34080 U.S. Hwy 19 North – Palm Harbor, Florida 34684 - Phone: (727) 772-6772 - www.SuncoastPilates.com
