One of the most beneficial aspects of Pilates is its ability to accommodate all fitness levels and abilities. Pilates is great way to incorporate fitness into your life, even if you are new to exercise or are currently out of shape. Unlike jogging or aerobics, Pilates does not place stress on your joints, so it can also be a good choice if you are rehabilitating from an injury. Pilates focuses on a balanced approach to building strength, increasing flexibility and enhancing body awareness.
The Arc can modify Pilates exercises and is often used as a rehabilitative tool to reduce tension through deep stretching. It is an ideal Pilates accessory if you lack flexibility or require assistance to execute certain Pilates movements. If you have a tight back and tend to initiate Pilates exercises with your neck or shoulders, the Arc will help you initiate exercises with the appropriate muscle groups by providing you with the needed support and assistance. By gently decompressing and lengthening the spine, the Arc creates more space between the vertebral joints. This increased space allows for more overall comfort and mobility.
What to Look for
The Pilates Arc design has different variations depending on the manufacturing company. The simplest Arc is made of sturdy wood and dense foam padding with a vinyl upholstered cover. It is a portable and lightweight piece of equipment that complements either a mat or equipment-based Pilates routine.
More complex models, like the new Balanced Body Pilates Arc, consist of three pieces including a classic Spine Corrector, an Exercise Arc and a Wedge for your Reformer. The Spine Corrector provides comfort and support during movement, the Exercise Arc's asymmetrical shape promotes versatility for different motions and body types, and the Wedge offers back support and stability on the Reformer. These three individual pieces combine to form one versatile Pilates Arc.
Common Pitfalls
The Pilates Arc is an extremely adaptable piece of equipment and it allows you to perform a wide variety of Pilates exercises. However, many of the exercises are so innovative that you will likely not imagine them on your own. Most buyers underestimate the value of receiving training by a certified Pilates instructor. A certified instructor can develop a Pilates Arc program specifically tailored to your physical needs and personal goals.
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