The short answer is a new way of living with your body. The longer answer is that Pilates is a lifestyle that yields more with each session.
It is a form of fitness that you can do in your youth or well into your senior years. I started at 16 and Pilates has stayed with me, even aiding in my recovery after being struck by a car walking to work.
Pilates teaches you about how you move your body. You learn about your posture and imbalances (we all have those!). Pilates is a window into your body that lets you see how you carry yourself through all your life activities like driving or walking the neighborhood.
Because Pilates exercises are so versatile, the classes can vary a lot too. You’ll find that certain exercises really complement your body’s strengths and others require adjustments to achieve the form that yields the most results. Those new to Pilates (fit or not!) will benefit greatly from a package of beginner classes. A package of beginner classes has the benefit of letting you learn all the fine movements and breathing patterns of each exercise, as well as the names of the exercises themselves. As you progress into more experienced classes they will be executed with precision that is beautiful to watch- controlled movements that flow from one to the next after just a handful of repetitions each.
You'll also learn what your body needs to achieve your goals. There are so many modifications to the exercises whether you are an athlete or trying to stave off the effects osteoporosis.
Pilates exercises are generally done with minimal repetitions because the exercises often use your whole body. The exercises are designed to get your body working in balance and to call on lesser used muscles. It isn't about using your primary muscles to propel you through.
This balanced approach to Pilates will help you protect your body in everything else that you do in life. You'll learn where to draw your movements from to get the most power with the least amount of impact. So if you love golf, you'll learn to take a swing using your core and stabilization to protect your shoulder joints. If you love to walk, you'll learn about pelvic stability and building foot strength.
Pilates is tailored to you, so your body works as well as it can at this stage in your life.
Lacy Fabian, PhD is founder of Cupcake Pilates in Baltimore, MD. A fun approach to Pilates focused on making it part of your lifestyle—we have life tips and, on occasion, healthy cupcakes (www.CupcakePilates.com).
It is a form of fitness that you can do in your youth or well into your senior years. I started at 16 and Pilates has stayed with me, even aiding in my recovery after being struck by a car walking to work.
Pilates teaches you about how you move your body. You learn about your posture and imbalances (we all have those!). Pilates is a window into your body that lets you see how you carry yourself through all your life activities like driving or walking the neighborhood.
Because Pilates exercises are so versatile, the classes can vary a lot too. You’ll find that certain exercises really complement your body’s strengths and others require adjustments to achieve the form that yields the most results. Those new to Pilates (fit or not!) will benefit greatly from a package of beginner classes. A package of beginner classes has the benefit of letting you learn all the fine movements and breathing patterns of each exercise, as well as the names of the exercises themselves. As you progress into more experienced classes they will be executed with precision that is beautiful to watch- controlled movements that flow from one to the next after just a handful of repetitions each.
You'll also learn what your body needs to achieve your goals. There are so many modifications to the exercises whether you are an athlete or trying to stave off the effects osteoporosis.
Pilates exercises are generally done with minimal repetitions because the exercises often use your whole body. The exercises are designed to get your body working in balance and to call on lesser used muscles. It isn't about using your primary muscles to propel you through.
This balanced approach to Pilates will help you protect your body in everything else that you do in life. You'll learn where to draw your movements from to get the most power with the least amount of impact. So if you love golf, you'll learn to take a swing using your core and stabilization to protect your shoulder joints. If you love to walk, you'll learn about pelvic stability and building foot strength.
Pilates is tailored to you, so your body works as well as it can at this stage in your life.
Lacy Fabian, PhD is founder of Cupcake Pilates in Baltimore, MD. A fun approach to Pilates focused on making it part of your lifestyle—we have life tips and, on occasion, healthy cupcakes (www.CupcakePilates.com).
Stay connected via Twitter: @cupcakepilates
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Need a motivation boost? Check-out a Virtual Cupcake and learn how you can Make Life Sweeter.™
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Need a motivation boost? Check-out a Virtual Cupcake and learn how you can Make Life Sweeter.™