So many of Hollywood's hottest stars rave about its benefits.
You can't walk into a gym without seeing classes. But what is
pilates, anyway?
Pilates is actually named for a man named Joseph Pilates. Around
1914, Pilates was a performer and a boxer, living in England.
During the outbreak of WWI, Pilates was held in a German prison
camp, where he taught a health system, based on yoga, Zen
philosophy, and a number of exercises taken from the Romans and
the Greeks. This health system helped the prisoners to fight off
illness and maintain their strength.
The system that Joseph Pilates taught the prisoners was the
start of the current pilates movement. This modern version of
the workout is a series of exercises that improve strength and
flexibility through a series of stretching and balancing
exercises.
Chiropractors often recommend pilates as a way to strengthen the
back and spine. After some time using the pilates system, an
individual can typically expect to notice an increased mobility
in the joints, improved circulation, a flatter stomach, and
thinner waist and thighs. Typically, those most attracted to the
system of workout are dancers, as dance requires a great deal of
flexibility and agility as well as strength, all of which the
pilates system provides. It is also said that pilates
strengthens the body from the inside out, helps to relieve
stress and anxiety, and can even aid in the prevention of injury.
Because it is a low impact routine, pilates is very attractive
to those needing rehabilitation from injury, the eldery, and the
overweight. It increases circulation and reduces weight
gradually. Because of this, many women choose pilates after
having a baby in order to shed the post-pregnancy pounds.
No matter what the reason for choosing the workout, pilates is
fast becoming one of hottest workout trends, and one of the
easiest to adapt to all ages and lifestyles. But like any
workout regimen, a person should consult their physician before
starting. There may be limitations you may not be aware of, and
above all other benefits that a workout may bring, your health
should be considered above all else.
