Defining Pilates And Learning Its Benefits
September 12, 2019
September 12, 2019
Have you recently decided to become dedicated toward some type of physical activity but are unsure what specific program might be best for you? Or maybe you have contemplated becoming involved with a different form of exercise than you have attempted previously? Then it is highly possible that Pilates might be an excellent choice for you.
Pilates is a low-impact but highly effective series of exercises that can deliver a large number of benefits due to its range of movements that are designed to include a full-body approach.
The Origin Of Pilates
This form of exercise and body conditioning received its name from the man who invented and developed this unique style of physical fitness – Joseph Pilates.
He was born in Germany near the end of the 19th century and later contended with asthma and other health issues as a child. That compelled him to use exercise as a resource to counteract those physical challenges and eventually resulted in his involvement with a series of sports and recreational activities including boxing.
Pilates later brought his system of controlled movements to the U.S. in 1926. But the growth of his exercise program was gradual as the decades progressed, even though it presented a proven methodology toward increasing strength and flexibility.
However, the popularity of Pilates rose by over 450% from 2000-2010 and has recently escalated to the point of inclusion within the mainstream of exercise and fitness options. This is has developed due to the benefits that it can deliver to the human body regardless of your age.
The Benefits Of Pilates
In addition to improving the strength of your core and improving your alignment, Pilates can also help you become more flexible, guide you toward better balance and posture, and reduce the risk of encountering pain in your back.
It has been stated that over 10 million individuals in the U.S. are now involved with Pilates, and that number should continue to rise. The emphasis on engaging the proper muscles in the core, and also toward melding the body movements with the mind, have also been factors in Pilates becoming a fitness regimen of choice for many professional athletes.
This reinforced bond between mind and muscles helps people engage the correct muscles of the core. Some Pilates classes are conducted on the floor through the use of mats, while others take place on reformers – which is a platform that is comprised of pulleys, springs and a foot bar.
There is additional equipment that is utilized in classes that are at a more advanced level, but the activities that are performed on mats and reformers can deliver substantial results.
To be clear, this is a low-impact workout that does not contain an aerobic component. However, that is not a suggestion that this is an ineffective series of exercises to become involved with. In addition to the aforementioned improvements that you will see in your strength and flexibility, Pilates is also beneficial for your abdominal and pelvic areas. There is also a definitive connection between your body and mind throughout the process of Pilates exercises as you bolster your core on an ongoing basis.
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has also presented a reminder that flexibility exercises should remain part of any frequent workout activities even though many people focus on cardiovascular and strength related exercises. This will diminish the likelihood that you will be contending with back pain and joint issues in the knee, while this type of activity also improves your circulation.
Reducing The Risk Of Injuries
It is just as important to warm up properly before participating in Pilates as it is any other type of workout, as this reduces the potential for you to experience a health issue due to cold muscles.
Other factors that can increase the potential for injury are similar to the risks that can be incurred when you are involved in any other form of exercise.
You will also increase the likelihood of experiencing a strain or pain if you are overzealous in your workouts as opposed to making sure that each exercise is performed properly.
Anyone who has a history of back issues should also discuss participating in Pilates with your doctor before attending a class. However, this is not a suggestion that your physician will not advise you to become involved since the exercises that are contained in a Pilates workout are designed to help prevent and diminish back pain. It will also be essential to discuss any previous back injury with an instructor before you begin, as any exercise can be modified to decrease the risk of any further issues.
At Rapid Med Urgent Care Center We Can Help
If you have any questions about Pilates or any type of exercise that will reduce your risk of experiencing issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease, do not hesitate to contact us at Rapid Med Urgent Care Center. Not only do we offer immediate medical attention for conditions that are not critical or life-threatening, but we also provide both primary and preventive care. This includes our assistance in obtaining vaccinations and immunizations.
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Our intuitive approach and commitment to patients enable them to receive the specific type of care that they prefer, whenever they would like to have it. This includes:
- After Hours Care Available
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Our Preventative Care
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Our Urgent Care
At Rapid Med Urgent Care Center we also provide immediate medical attention for conditions that are not critical or life-threatening.
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Regardless of whether you are in need of primary care, preventative care or urgent care, you can receive the same great care and consideration that you receive by visiting our offices simply by using our On Demand service through your phone, tablet, or computer.
