Did you know that we offer Pilates sessions at BodaHealth? Wait… what’s Pilates? If you’re unfamiliar with this kind of low impact exercise, it may be time to check it out. Pilates is more than just an exercise program. It provides a number of benefits because it focuses on strengthening your core muscles to improve your body’s structural alignment and posture, and ultimately your overall health.
While Pilates may seem like a new way to work out, it’s actually been around for almost a hundred years. It was developed by a German trainer, Joseph Pilates, who used some of his early exercises to help in the rehabilitation of injured veterans after World War I. As a child Joseph Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, he dedicated his life to improving his physical strength and healing others with much success. He was a boxer, gymnast, soldier and inspiration.
If you’ve ever seen a Pilates studio, you may have found the equipment a little intimidating. But take heart, Pilates can be done with or without equipment. A Pilates session may be held on a mat, but may also use a reformer, which is a sliding platform with footholds that enable you to do specific resistance exercises. Learn more about treatment options using Pilates at BodaHealth in Vancouver.
If you’re wondering whether or not you should try Pilates, then check out this list below!
Seven Things That Set Pilates Apart From Other Exercise Programs
1. A Pilates workout involves exercises that move your spine in all planes of movement, including flexion, extension, rotation and laterally. The goal is to keep your spine healthy and mobile.
2. Pilates exercises are performed from a “neutral spine” position, which is optimal for breathing, core engagement, and minimizing stress on your body.
3. Pilates focuses on the quality of movement over quantity. Slow and controlled movements focus on proper alignment and stability, which helps to improve body awareness.
4. Pilates combines strengthening and stretching for a balanced workout that improves your range of motion.
5. Students learn how to connect and activate their deep core muscles. These abdominal muscles work to protect and support your back for beautiful posture. This can relieve neck, shoulder and back pain. Flat abs are an added bonus!
6. The mind-body connection is the basis for Pilates. Centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow are all concepts that are used to integrate your body and mind.
7. Pilates sessions are designed to heal your body. Joseph Pilates said, “Change happens through movement and movement heals.”
If you’re looking to reduce your risk of injuries, rehabbing from a current injury, want better posture, are trying to improve muscle tone and strength, or need better joint mobility and range of motion, Pilates may be the answer. If you’re interested in finding out more about how Pilates can help you, contact us.
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body.” ~ Joseph Pilates
