It is a peculiar mix of mental concentration and physical training, in some aspects close to yoga, aimed at gaining control over breathing and postural muscles, from which derive various benefits: agility, strength, harmony of the figure. It is certainly worth knowing, and for this, there is a list of 5 reasons to choose a Pilates course.
1. Increases muscle tone
The Pilates method foresees an improvement of the muscular tonicity of the whole body, and in particular, abdomen and buttocks, without increasing the mass (ie firm but not enlarged muscles). In contrast to the body-building contemplates a great use of stretching, which determines the lengthening of muscle fibers. The exercises to be performed are a mostly free body. The results appear visible after a few weeks.
2. It gives elasticity
One of the great advantages of practicing Pilates is a visible increase in muscle elasticity. As it is practiced, the body regains its fluency, even if the lack of exercise had a little rusty. Obviously, the training must be gradual, especially in the presence of problems such as arthritis, scoliosis and myalgias. If you follow this dictate, these conditions benefit from Pilates. The exercises can also be performed at home, but it is advisable to sign up for a course to learn how to do it.
3. Prevents lumbar back pain
Back pain is unfortunately a widespread problem, and due for the most part, also to the lack of training of postural muscles. Pilates, which focuses on these, can really be of great help. The benefit derives both from the strengthening of the muscles, and from the acquisition of a correct posture, which protects against certain types of muscular inflammation at the origin of lumbar back pain.
4. Improves posture
The improvement of posture with physical exercises is one of the main purposes of Pilates. It is acquired through 2 simultaneous training courses, the mental and the physical. The first one allows to check and modify the posture with the awareness of the position taken of habit, and then with a voluntary control to correct it. The second works on the strength and flexibility of the muscles involved.
5. Enhance the ability to concentrate
The physical exercises performed with the Pilates method must be carried out slowly, focusing on breathing and working muscles. Like all faculties, even concentration can be improved by training, and this method proves it. The resulting advantage goes beyond gymnastics, and also results in an increase in self-awareness and self-esteem.
