It's a common misconception that Pilates is only beneficial for strengthening and lengthening the core muscles. Pilates has many more pluses attached to it than just creating a strong powerhouse. This powerful training method is fabulous for sculpting and toning the overall body and conditioning muscles. Even Olympic athletes use Pilates as a primary source of conditioning.
I have been very lucky to work with Natalie Coughlin, the world record holder and gold medalist in the 100 m backstroke. She is a fanatic about her Pilates training and conditioning, which is very important to her overall conditioning. Natalie very rarely misses a training session, and it has helped tremendously in her swimming conditioning. Since I have lived in a Pilates room for the last 10 years, I love to hear that an Olympian is so fond of it.
Here are a few exercises that are great for the muscles outside the core:
1) Leg kicks are great for the gluteal and hamstring muscles.
2) The Pilates Magic Circle is a true gem for the inner thighs and glutes.
3) Side lying inner thigh and frog position are great for the inner thigh.
4) Band work is also great for overall conditioning.
5) Leg circles are great for the inner thigh.
And don't think these are "sissy" strength-training exercises; remember Olympic gold medalists do these exercises. Natalie does Pilates every day. When she went to Olympic trials, she made sure that her Pilates gear was packed and ready to go.
Portable Pilates:
Portable Pilates equipment like resistance bands and magic circles are easy to find. Check out your local sporting goods store, which often have racks of equipment. They're inexpensive, easy to travel with and can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine. One of the benefits of Pilates is that it can be done anywhere with very little equipment or none at all.
Private Training:
When it comes to workout equipment, it's hard to beat the Reformer and the Cadillac. You can't beat the basic legwork on the Reformer; there is nothing like it. Oh and the "Wunda Chair" is amazing! You will have a six-pack in no time.
When you walk into a Pilates studio, you feel like you have stepped back in time. The equipment looks a little archaic, old fashioned and very confusing. Spring, straps, chairs and barrels--let's just say a tad different than the dumbbell rack and the leg press. I love it because the method has been proven for years and has become one of the hottest workouts on the market. Pilates studios are popping up like Starbucks--well, almost.
The Combination:
Pilates is a highly effective method of total-body conditioning. You won't pour sweat and huff and puff but it will mold the muscle you have and make you look long and lean, while providing an array of benefits that typical weight-training can't give you. Throw in some strong cardio training and you've got a complete solution and overall conditioning workout!
So join a pilates class today, hire a trainer, grab a DVD or download a Pilates workout. You will be very pleased with the pluses of your new powerhouse and much more.
Till next time, Pilates is more than just your core!!
Member Comments