| At one time, Pilates was a specialized form of | | | | and stamina of the individual. It is not goal driven, in |
| exercise limited to a handful of professional | | | | the way that traditional weight training or body |
| practitioners. In recent times, Pilates has become | | | | building is. With Pilates, the effectiveness of the |
| one of the biggest exercise fads in America. Almost | | | | exercise is determined by the overall impact on the |
| every town and city across this great country has a | | | | health of the practitioner. Pilates is all about |
| professional Pilates studio, staffed by certified | | | | achieving long term, tangible results. |
| instructors. Pilates, however, is not just another | | | | The key to the effective practice of Pilates is to |
| passing fad. Pilates is here to stay. | | | | make the connection between mind and body. |
| Practitioners of Pilates can experience countless | | | | Concentration plays a significant role in Pilates. One |
| benefits including improved posture, flexibility, and | | | | of the core principles of Pilates is to establish control |
| balance. This presents a remarkable opportunity for | | | | of the body through discipline and focused thought. |
| an aging population to perform a series of exercises | | | | Much like Yoga, controlled breathing plays a pivotal |
| that are both safe and effective. According to the | | | | role in achieving results in Pilates. Pilates teaches a |
| American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the | | | | form of breathing called Lateral Breathing. This is |
| stretching and strengthening of core muscles through | | | | performed by inhaling deeply through one's nose, and |
| the practice of Pilates is an effective strategy for | | | | allowing the inhaled air to expand one's ribcage. This |
| combating the effects of aging. | | | | form of breathing is also called Thoracic Breathing. |
| Aside from the benefits noted above, Pilates can also | | | | Pilates is a highly effective approach to maintaining |
| help with relief from stress and mental tension. It | | | | health and vitality, regardless of one's age or stage in |
| can also have a direct impact on maintaining strength | | | | life. While the practice of Pilates is beneficial for |
| and range of motion, both of which are especially | | | | many people, it is especially important for our aging |
| important for our aging populace. Studies have | | | | population. Aging individuals often lose control of |
| shown that Pilates can also provide relief from back | | | | their coordination and muscles, and this can lead to a |
| pain and other physical injuries, which are often a | | | | sense of frustration and mental anguish for people |
| primary cause of pain and discomfort. | | | | that have grown accustomed to their sense of |
| The wonderful thing about Pilates, and the reason it | | | | independence. Pilates can provide people with the |
| is so effective for people getting on in age, is that it | | | | tools and techniques they need to age with dignity |
| is a highly effective form of soft exercise. Pilates | | | | and a sense of well being. Pilates isn't for everyone, |
| can be performed at a pace dictated by the strength | | | | but it could be ideal for you. |