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Wednesday, August 16, 2006
ADD PILATES TO YOUR EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Many of us are guilty of not stretching adequately after warming up, between weight-training sets or at the end of a workout…. period. We simply don’t make or take the time to do this important yet oft overlooked task. As a proponent of cross training , I offer Pilates to you as an excellent addition to your palate of movement . Exchanging one day of your chosen exercise for Pilates, may offset some of the ill effects we cause ourselves with our lack of stretching at otherwise appropriate times.
FITNESS PILATES
Fitness Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed primarily to stabilize the trunk (the ‘core’), producing more effective stretching, strengthening and balancing of the body. Through systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proved itself invaluable as a fitness endeavor and an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation. Fitness Pilates can condition the body from head to toe with a no- to low-impact approach suitable for all ages and abilities. It requires patience, attention to detail with your body and consistent practice.
Behind each of the benefits (listed below) there are physiological and technical justifications, but success depends entirely on understanding the basic principles and practices of Pilates and doing it right.
BENEFITS OF PILATES
The kinds of results you can expect from an accurate, educated, well designed program include:
●Enhancing mobility, agility and stamina;
●Improving strength, flexibility and balance;
●Toning and building long, lean muscles without bulk;
●Challenging deep abdominal muscles to support the core;
●Engaging the mind and enhancing body awareness;
●Reducing stress, relieving tension and boosting energy through deep stretching;
●Restoring postural alignment;
●Creating a stronger, more flexible spine;
●Promoting recovery from strain or injury;
●Increasing joint range of motion;
●Improving circulation;
●Improving the way your body looks and feels.
There are some great studios in Atlanta. If you haven’t tried Pilates yet…what are you waiting for.
