Pilates for Core Strength

Until the mid 90’s the core conditioning routinearea of your core.
that I had consisted of the typical sit up benches andThere are two main types of Pilates you can choose
military training I previously did. In an effort toto participate in. One is mat Pilates, which by far the
expand my “toolbox” of knowledge, amost popular in which you use your body weight to
Master trainer had a class certification available thatmove through graceful yet challenging movements to
included Mat, Chairs and Barrels, Reformer and thedevelop overall body and core strength. The other is
Cadillac. I was in a class with mainly women and fewon the Reformer, a machine with springs and
other guys. I stood out as the “bodybuilder”pulley’s on a rolling bed supported by a rail like
–“military bearing” posture body typeframe, which you use a to take you through a series
upon assessment protocol.of movements for shoulder and pelvic stabilizers .
When demonstrations were needed, looking back, itBoth forms are incredibly challenging and provide a
became obvious that my strength with largerworkout unlike any other. While performing Pilates,
muscles than my class mates, made someyour body and mind can go into a meditative relaxed
movements easy…but most other movements thatstate because of the fluid and grace of the motions,
required finesse, very difficult. To further “closebut make no mistake, you are doing some serious
me on the deal “ of Pilate’s certification, theexercise, and if you forget while you are doing it,
master trainer promptly signed up with me to doyour body will remind you the next day.
some regular one on one session’s in the gym.Because every movement in Pilates is slow,
He easily blew through the workout…with unrealcontrolled, and requires steady breathing throughout,
total body strength. My little ego was challenged, butyour abdominals and lower back will receive a
I signed up for the class. Several thousands of dollarsfantastic workout. Many who try Pilates become
later I can honestly say that Pilates is and was ahooked and notice immediate changes in both their
very welcome add to my fitness education journey.strength and flexibility as well as the definition in their
Many who have not experienced Pilates firsthandmidsection. Originally, Pilates became a popular
compare it to Yoga, and while there are somewarm-up and stretching and strengthening tool for
similarities with the mind-body connection, Pilates is aballet dancers, but now, millions of people from all
much more active exercise. While Yoga revolveswalks of life have taken up the practice of Pilates
around poses and stretching, Pilates truly relies onincluding martial artists, boxers, and even some of
using your body weight for strength and conditioningthe top names in the sports of football and
moves that focus on, you guessed it, your core.basketball.
Each movement is slow and controlled and will focusOne of the most beautiful things about practicing
on the particular muscles of every part of your body.Pilates is that the gentle nature of the exercise
Most movements are compound in nature so thatmakes it perfect for people of any age to practice.
rather than focus on simply your biceps for example,It is incredibly safe and will provide results for those
an arm movement may incorporate the biceps,ages 8 to 80, and even beyond. If core strength and
triceps, and shoulders as well. Some of the leg lifts,development is what you are after, sit in on a
while incredibly simple in appearance, provide anPilate’s class and discover what millions of others
amazing workout for your upper thigh and hip area,have: Pilates is one of the most effective core
helping to further strengthen this often neglectedstrengthening exercise programs ever developed.