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The Benefits of Pilates for Your Body

Here are EIGHT good reasons why you should consider doing Pilates exercises for strengthening of your posture and core:

Pilates is Whole-Body Fitness
Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates does not over-develop some parts of the body and neglect others. While Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased range of motion for the joints.
Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs
Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an elite athlete or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement apply to you. Building from core strength to focusing on proper alignment, make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates workouts can be tailored to individual needs.
Creates Strength Without Bulk
Long, lean muscles are the name of the game here. In Pilates, we are not looking to build muscles for show. We are building toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of the body as a whole, and the functional fitness needs of a person as they move through life.
Increases Flexibility
In Pilates, we work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints.
Develops Core Strength
The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. These are the muscles we rely on to support a strong, supple back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When the core is strong, the frame of the body is supported. This means the neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of the muscles and joints are freed to do their job.
Improves Posture
Good posture is a reflection good alignment supported by a strong core. It is a position from which one can move freely. Pilates trains the body to express itself with strength and harmony. You can see this in the beautiful posture of those who practice Pilates.
Increases Energy
It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you have and the more you feel like doing exercise. Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the "feel good feeling" which the body gets from exercise.
Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance
If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and a leaner look; Pilates improves muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel very fit.

References: pilates.about.com

Learn to use your core for daily chores

Avoid the risk of injury while doing daily chores and general housework, such as bending down, picking stuff up off the floor, picking up the children, or reaching up to take something out of a cupboard.

Always hold your stomach in before doing an aggressive movement, this will allow the stomach muscles to lie flat against your spine, thus protecting it from injury. Exhale when executing the largest movement.

It may seem tiresome at first, but before you know it, it will be second nature.

Pilates is a great form of exercise to strengthen core muscles, therefore it is highly recommended to join a Pilates class or enrol for a private one-on-one Pilates session as a strong core will protect your back from the risk of injury.

The Importance of Good Posture and Alignment

We have all had our mother's remind us about our posture and it's importance, but what is all the fuss really about? Is it really necessary to ensure that your posture is correct? And what are the benefits of achieving a good posture?

The Benefits of Good Posture:

Pain relief throughout the body, including back and neck pain, hip pain, leg and foot pain.
Allows us to move efficiently
Improves muscle function
Increases range of motion
Takes pressure off of compressed organs
Improves circulation
Creates a trimmer appearance
Radiates an attitude of confidence

Now that you have read the benefits of good posture, I would like to give you the tools towards posture assessment. This postural assessment should be done on a daily basis.

Posture and Alignment Assessment:

Begin standing. Stand with your feet and legs directly under your hips. Your legs and feet are parallel, and your knees are pointing forward, straight but not locked. Your arms are to your sides and your head is looking forward.
Balance Your Weight. Adjust your body so that your weight feels like it is falling directly through the middle of the foot. A good way to do this is to rock slightly forward and back on your feet, making the movement smaller and smaller until you feel your weight is balanced over the centre of your foot.
Activate your core muscles. Lightly pull your abdominal muscles in and up. As you do so you engage the pelvic floor as well. You are going for a feeling of aliveness in the core. Just this move is usually enough to improve one's posture significantly.
Relax and open your chest. The chest is not caved in and not thrust out, just resting easily.
Shoulders down, broad back. Allow your chest to drop and open as your back expands. As this happens, your shoulders drop away from your ears and your shoulder blades slide down your back. Cultivate a posture whereby your core is holding you up, not your shoulders.
Ears reach for the sky. The head and neck are now completely supported by the core and easily float above the shoulders. Imagine that the tops of your ears are reaching for the sky. Your gaze is straight forward, with the throat open and the chin resting naturally.

Do your best to be constantly aware of your posture, whether it be standing in a queue at the shops, driving, sitting in your car or cooking in the kitchen. It is important to take care of your posture as early as possible before pronounced hunching sets in.

References: pilates.about.com