Pilates has a long and colourful history that is also rather interesting. First conceived as a method of helping wounded soldiers to recuperate, recover, and physically rehabilitate, it has quickly grown in recent years into a popular way to exercise. Given how it was conceived, Pilates is also ideal for those who are injured or who have a limited range of movement. The philosophy underpinning Pilates is based on strengthening the core muscles of the body so that a full range of movement is promoted through this muscular support. Indeed, Pilates has worked wonders for many people over a long period of time.
The Health Benefits of Pilates
There are certainly many kinds of exercises that one can do, but some of them are of greater benefit than others. Rockingham Pilates is popular because it features a wide range of exercises that are designed to help a person who may not have a full range of movement or who may in fact be injured. Consider some of the following benefits:
- Injuries: Pilates is adaptable to a wide range of physical injuries and flexibility problems. This makes it excellent for athletes and others who may have suffered from an injury. This also makes it ideal for people who have bad backs or hernias, and even those who have suffered an injury at work. The very core of Pilates is based on adapting to and working around certain physical limitations, which makes it ideal for any of these circumstances.
- Movement and flexibility: It is not uncommon to find Pilates programs in retirement villages, care homes, and other places where care of the elderly is a priority. This is because Pilates promotes the strengthening of core muscles and joint flexibility. As we age, we lose our joint flexibility and our core muscles can become weak. By focussing on strengthening the core muscles in the abdomen and the back, Pilates drastically improves movement and flexibility in elderly people.
- Strength and toning: It is sometimes easy to think that Pilates is aimed toward the wounded and the elderly. However, the fact is that Pilates is beneficial to people of any age and of any physical characteristic. Even if you are already fit and healthy, Pilates can help to tone muscles, strengthen the abdomen, buttocks, and back, and even improve posture. In many ways, a Pilates program is complementary to traditional aerobics or strength training because it focusses not on tiring out and tearing muscles, but on intense concentration and toning. This results in not only stronger muscles, but more flexible ones that also recover from injury more quickly.
Why Exercise Is Good For Your Brain Too
There is a complex relationship between physical exercise and mental and emotional well-being. The fact is that regular exercise helps to regulate metabolism and moods. A program of exercise can reduce anxiety and stress levels and even help to decrease depression. Pilates can help in all of these areas and be fun at the same time!