What Is Pilates

There are countless numbers of exercise programs on the market that make empty promises with little results to show from the intense workouts.

Pilates, however, is not one of those who offer empty promises. The Pilates program offers low impact exercises, which balance the body as well as the mind.

The program focuses on the core postural muscles. These muscles are what keep the body balanced and provide support to the spine. Pilates teaches awareness of breathing and alignment of the spine.

Pilates was built on the idea of muscle control. Each movement is regulated and there are no sloppy, uncontrolled movements.

Every Pilates exercise must be performed with exact control of all body parts to avoid injury and produce positive results. Pilates doesn’t focus on intensity or multiple reps, but proper form and effective results.

Precision is also key in Pilates. Every movement has a purpose. Every instruction is important to the success of the program. Leaving out any details forsakes the intrinsic value of the exercise.

The focus is more on doing one perfect and precise movement instead of halfhearted ones. This precision becomes second nature and carries over into everyday life.

Concentration is just as important as control and precision. Pilates demands intense focus. Beginners learn to pay attention to their bodies and build very small delicate fundamental movements and controlled breathing.

There have even been studies in providing relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Centering plays an important part in Pilates.

By centering parts of the body such as the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks, also known as the powerhouse, the body is able to draw energy and flow it outwards to the extremities.