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REACH YOUR PEAK WITH PILATES

In recent years India has been introduced to Pilates, a specific system of exercise combining the elements of yoga, breathing, weight training, gymnastics and Tai-chi to condition the body and mind.  Its focus is on developing the body’s core muscles, and improving flexibility and strength through a variety of stretching and balancing movements.  Pilates demands good balance and coordination so is popular with dancers and sports people as an exercise routine to maintain strength, and for the general population as both a fitness option and important component of the rehabilitation process following injury or surgery.

In the fitness world Pilates is very popular among women because it provides a combination of toned abdominals and strong muscles yet with a lean sculpted body shape. For other people it can be tailored according to one's specific needs such as better flexibility, a flat tummy, a stronger core, improved balance and coordination or regaining your figure after childbirth.
There are various forms of Pilates, some which use equipment, and dependent on the level of difficulty required. 

MAT PILATES
This is floor based exercises designed to provide muscle strength and movement control. It involves flow of movements which provide good body awareness and is the most suitable program for beginners.  One can either take an individual session or join a group class. 

REFORMER
A reformer is specially designed equipment which incorporates springs with different levels of resistance to challenge the body to build strength while maintaining movement control. It can be used as a whole-body workout and graduated from the most basic to a highly advanced set of exercises.  It is commonly used in a one on one session with an instructor but can provide the fun of a group class if the facility has multiple reformers.

STUDIO PILATES
Studio Pilates, sometimes referred to as Strength and Conditioning Pilates, are personalized classes which cater to an individual’s need and help one achieve specific fitness goals. The instructor modifies the exercise plan based on your performance, and can devise a circuit by using both Mat and Reformer exercises which also makes it a great cardio session. 

CLINICAL PILATES
When used for treatment and rehabilitation purposes it is referred to as Clinical Pilates. An expert physiotherapist uses their sound knowledge of body mechanics and exercise science then combines them with the principles of Pilates creating a holistic treatment plan for your specific problem.  After performing a clinical assessment of your condition the therapist devises a tailor-made programme which is then gradually progressed according to your body’s ability and response to the exercise. 
Clinical Pilates is used to treat various musculoskeletal pains and dysfunctions, injuries and after surgery.

The Ten Benefits of Clinical Pilates

Relieves Chronic Pain:  Pilates targets the core and back muscles to regain the natural curvatures of the spine, improve joint stiffness and relieve back and neck pain.  The reformer also works beautifully for knees with the resistance springs helping to build muscle strength which improves walking and other physical activities.

Corrects Posture:  by strengthening the weak muscles and stretching the tighter ones, Pilates works on correcting muscular imbalances which in turn corrects posture, and also lengthens the spine making you look taller.

Improves Range of Movement:  Pilates involves stretching of various muscles of lower limb and spine and resulting in better range of motion and flexibility.

Activates sleeping muscles:  Pilates involves flow of movement and when done under supervision can specifically target the inactive muscles of the body helping them waking up. 


Helps Treat Early Degenerative Conditions:  improving muscle tone and strength can slow down or stop a degenerative joint from getting worse, while the flexibility gained with each session helps reduce pain and improves walking pattern in the early phase of various arthritic conditions in the lower body.   It is highly recommended to perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Improves Cardio-vascular Endurance:  Pilates is generally a 45-minute session workout with an emphasis on breathing. If you work continuously with no breaks it helps build cardio-vascular stamina for people who may not exercise regularly.


Improves Balance and Coordination:  the slow, smooth and controlled body movements of the Pilates techniques challenge the body to improve co-ordination and balance.


Injury Prevention:  many Injuries occur due to lack of strength, flexibility and balance, or lack of body awareness.  Pilates is unique in the way it delivers all of these components at the same time.  The clinical assessment finds the weak link of your body, or the root cause of the problem, then targets it to prevent future re-injury.


Performance enhancement:  Pilates is extremely popular with gymnasts, golfers, tennis players, swimmers and even dancers because various specific strength and flexibility programmes can be sports specific, ultimately enhancing performance and building a better career.

Encourages Movement:  people with chronic pain, injuries or after surgery may be afraid of using the affected body parts so may gradually lose the motivation to move.  Pilates is a form of exercise which encourages movement and confidence to exercise with ease.
So whatever your circumstances, from looking to change fitness programmes to suffering with back pain that won’t settle, seek out your physiotherapist for advice on how Pilates can be of benefit to you.  

 

Book your Pilates Session with ProHealth Asia here.

Author by , Feb 20, 2019,

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