Pilates combines a number of anaerobic exercise that were first devised by German fitness expert Joseph Pilates in the first half of the 20th century. The system uses stretching exercises to strengthen and tone all the muscle groups and to build up core body strength. Pilates may be performed freestyle or with equipment.
Anaerobic Exercise
Pilates is a form of anaerobic exercise. This is a form of exercise that does not use oxygen to produce energy. Anaerobic exercises strengthen the body, increasing lean muscle mass, bone density and muscle tone. This can improve your functional fitness, reduce the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis and increase core body strength.
Weight Bearing Exercise
A weight bearing exercise is one you perform on your feet that works your muscles and bones against the force of gravity. The combinations of flexion and extension exercises in Pilates help to strengthen the bones, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. They also increase flexibility, improve coordination and balance, realign the posture and improve overall well-being.
Resistance Exercise
Pilates can also be practiced with apparatus such as chairs, barrels or reformers. The Pilates chair can be adjusted to enable 75 different exercises. The barrel is designed to open the chest to allow deep breathing and realignment of the spine. The popular reformers allow you to exercise with a system of ropes and pulleys in order to use body weight to perform resistance exercises.
Body Condidtioning
Pilates is also a form of body conditioning exercise that helps to increase flexibility, build up core body strength and increase stamina and endurance. Pilates also improves the circulation and helps to tone and sculpt the muscles. If you perform Pilates on a regular basis, you will also notice that you stress level is reduced and you are more relaxed.
Member Comments