The basics of Pilates are based on a series of exercises that Joseph H. Pilates designed to help the soldiers of war to regain their strength. After serving the broken and injured soldiers of the war, Joseph eventually bought his new exercise program to the United States where he gained a loyal following in the state of New York.
Pilates basics are known for using intense concentration on a specific body part as well as on a specific series of breathing techniques while you perform a prescribed series of movements. It is the combination of these challenges which make this exercise program a champion exercise.
One of the very first things you will need to learn is to focus on the "powerhouse" or the core of your body. It is just a fancy way of saying "your abdomen". The basics teach that if you work your body movements from the core or the powerhouse, then your muscles will move more easily and fully through their entire range of motion.
It is the muscles of the abdomen and the spine that are the focus of powerhouse. The abdominal muscles are made up of the rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques.
The basics of Pilates also leads to improvement in your balance, your coordination and flexibility and even in your strength. It is a bit hard to believe but by focusing on your powerhouse and moving through each exercise you will soon feel the difference in your body.
While this work out is a kinder and gentler exercise, similar to yoga, it should not be mistaken for a "wimpy" exercise. Ask devotees of Winsor Pilates and they will be the first to tell you that Mari Winsor has created an exercise designed around "dynamic sequencing". With "dynamic sequencing" Winsor Pilates aggressively works the core of to create a longer and leaner body.
Because this is not a joint-jarring exercise, it can be practiced by people at varying fitness levels. But make no mistake, this is indeed a workout. However, this exercise workout will leave you feeling invigorated and strong.
Other benefits include leaving you feeling invigorated, energized and even more confident. Plus the wonderful breathing exercises which accompany this exercise will also help you to finish the exercise feeling more relaxed and even calmer.
If you are looking for stronger muscles, better tone and even longer and leaner muscles, then consider the Pilates basics and see if you don't find that it works well for you too. With this basic set of specific exercises, many of those who practice Pilates find rather quickly that their body responds well to these type of exercises.
More energy, confidence, strength yes, that makes Pilates basics sound like a plan for me!
For more information on healthy living, be sure to visit the-health-hub.com where you'll find information on health topics such as stress reduction, diet and exercise, heart health & more
Source: www.articlealley.com
