Imagine a fitness trend that engages you and leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being. Can't think of any? Well, Pilates, the method of body conditioning, will greatly do all this, and even more.

Pilates, the method of body conditioning, was developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of the Pilates Studio, Joseph H. Pilates. It has long been considered as a form of exercise system that pays much attention on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. With this purpose, it's no surprise that some of the first practitioners of Pilates were the dancers like George Balanchine and Martha Graham.

However, one should note that Pilates, the method of body conditioning, is not just about exercise. Pilates is a series of controlled movements that engage your body and mind. These controlled movements are usually done on specifically designed exercise apparatus and then supervised by extensively trained and experienced Pilates teachers.

Benefits of Pilates

In the first place, Pilates, the method of body conditioning, promotes physical harmony as well as balance for people of all ages. It also promotes physical conditions while providing a refreshing and energizing workout.

The body conditioning sessions of Pilates are usually done one to one with a certified Pilates teacher or in closely supervised small groups. Because of this, each session then is tailored to specific needs of every customer. Also, regardless of your current level of fitness, the Pilates, the method of body conditioning, can be really your primary mode for body conditioning and injury prevention.

Today, numerous studies have revealed that Pilates, the method of body conditioning, can be integrated into rehabilitative exercise, as well as physical therapy programs that are designed to speed recovery of the soft tissue injuries. This is what actually discovered by most chiropractors, orthopedists, and physical therapists.

Pilates, the method of body conditioning can now even be used by pregnant women for them to learn proper breathing and body alignment. The exercises will also help them improve their concentration and recover body shape and tone after pregnancy.

The Difference of Pilates among Other Fitness Trends

What sets Pilates, the method of body conditioning, apart from the other fitness trends is the fact that Joseph Pilates developed more than 500 specific exercises using the five major pieces of unique apparatus to develop the body uniformly. Then, instead of performing a number of repetitions for every exercise, Joseph Pilates preferred fewer, but more precise movements. These precise movements involved generally require proper control and form.

Also, because Pilates, the method conditioning, requires your mind to engage with your body to perform the precise movements correctly, there is a great possibility that you will experience a new awareness of the muscle function and control.

What else? In Pilates, the method of body conditioning, the powerhouse is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of your body to move freely. Note that the term "powerhouse" refers to the abdomen, lower back, and buttocks.

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