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About Pilates
The first question Pilates instructors are often asked is, “So exactly what is Pilates?”
First, it helps to know how it’s pronounced. Pee-lat-eez. Second, it helps to know what it does. Well, in a nutshell, Pilates is a workout that works people from the inside out. Literally. The exercises in Pilates focus on the core muscles of the body. Namely the abdominals, back, chest, and shoulders. As a result the arms and legs often get worked as well.
Originally called Contrology by its founder Joseph Pilates, the discipline requires focus. For many who are used to going to the gym and shutting down in the brain muscle, Pilates often takes some getting used to. However, after about 6 weeks, participants begin to notice some really awesome changes in their bodies.
For one thing, they often notice the lessening of chronic back pain. As their ability to engage the core increases, so does their energy. Students often stand taller and posture gains a confident edge. If Pilates is combined with a good aerobic program, students begin enjoying weight loss in all the right places. Pants are looser, arms are tighter. Pilates adherents are often noted for their arms. Moves such as the Plank (imagine a push-up frozen in midform) and the Pilates Push-Up (it makes the traditional push-up look like child’s play) help tone, build, & strengthen the shoulders, back, biceps, and triceps. The benefits to a regular Pilates regimen are too numerous to mention.
If you’d like to try Pilates, give it a couple of weeks. It takes a while to get all the moves, breathing, and mental awareness down pat. But once you do get the hang of it you will enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility, leaner muscles, and better posture. Your back pain will decrease, and yes, you will get tighter abs.
If you’re in the Nashua, NH area and you’d like a private, corporate, or group lessons send me an email! shelby@personaltrainer-nh.com