Classical Pilates Reformer Level II

LucieLemonPilates.Com 17 Amazing benefits of Pilates Deb Lemon 1. It increases core strength Pilates is famously known for its emphasis on the core — the center of the body from which all movement stems. The core is all of the surrounding muscles of the trunk that when strengthened and pliable, support and stabilize the body. Pilates improves core strength and function. Core strength is a key factor in decreasing back and hip pain, decreasing pelvic floor dysfunction, and is the area from which explosive movement derives, hence its nickname “the powerhouse.” 2. It improves Posture Improved posture is the difference between weak, imbalanced muscles, headaches, shoulder or back pain, and sitting or standing tall with ease. Pilates focuses on the full body’s alignment, ideal range of motion at the joints, and a balance of all opposing muscles. It improves posture by bringing awareness to your alignment and strengthening neglected postural muscles 3. It decreases back pain Pilates targets the deeper abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor to both contract and release — a true sign of strength. These muscles work like a brace to lift and support the organs and protect and stabilize the back. 4. It prevents injuries Pilates balances the muscles of the body so that they are neither loose and weak nor tight and rigid. Muscles that are too loose and weak or too tight and rigid can make the body more susceptible to injury. Pilates focuses on developing dynamic strength, which means you are better able to support and stabilize your joints while moving. Research has suggested that Pilates is an effective method for reducing injury risk in sport. 5. It increases energy By focusing on breath, Pilates improves cardiorespiratory capacity. This stimulates feel-good hormones, oxygen flow, and blood circulation. 6. It enhances body awareness Pilates is a mind-body practice that enhances proprioception, or body awareness. The attention inward and ability to focus on the sensations in your body heightens your awareness of comfort or pain, emotions & environment. 7. It decreases stress Continuing from the benefit of body awareness, the inward focus and use of breath from Pilates can down-regulate the nervous system. This lowers cortisol, and decrease stress over time. 8. It reduces menstrual pain Dysmenorrhea is the condition of painful menstrual periods, and if you’re someone who’s experienced it, you know how debilitating it can be 9. It improves flexibility and mobility Flexibility is the amount of passive stretch in a muscle. Mobility is the range of motion at a joint. Good mobility requires flexibility but also strength. A Pilates practice keeps moving with smooth transitions between precise and slow, controlled movements. Instead of stretching after a strengthening exercise, most Pilates exercises are a combination of the two, which improves strength, flexibility, and mobility 10. It improves balance Pilates improves balance and gait not only through core strengthening but because of its focus on alignment and whole body exercises 11. It boosts your immunity Research shows that Pilates helps boost immune system functioning, especially in older adults. 12. It improves cognitive functioning Studies have shown improved cognitive functioning after Pilates training. Several markers were assessed, such as new neuron development, blood flow to the brain, increased neurotransmitters, and longevity of neurons responsible for learning, memory, and executive thinking 13. It can improve motivation Along with improved cognition, one study found Pilates was effective for improving motivation in a student population 14. It improves your sex life Pilates can make a romp in the sack more enjoyable for more than one reason. First, it builds endurance, strength, mobility, and flexibility that can enhance your bedroom adventures by allowing you to get into and hold positions longer. But also, Pilates is an effective tool for improving pelvic floor strength and function, and a strong pelvic floor correlates with increased sexual pleasure! 15. It enhances sports performance Whether you’re a professional athlete or weekend warrior, Pilates can elevate your sport or activity. Pilates balances the body by strengthening muscles, mobilizing what’s rigid, and lengthening tight areas. This, in turn, enables you to react quicker and prevent injury. 16. It strengthens your bones The current lifestyle of more sitting and less moving is detrimental to our health and our bone density. Strong bone density prevents osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and can affect people of any age. 17. It boosts your mood Exercise of any sort offers that magical elixir of endorphins. But studies that specifically explored the mood-boosting benefits of Pilates have found that subjects experienced a reduction in anxiety, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, and a release of negative thought patterns