What is Pilates and How Can It Improve Your Health?
Pilates is a type of exercise that was founded by a man named Joseph Pilates. It is a method that uses conditioning of the body and mind to promote good health.
Pilates
is a type of exercise that was founded by a man named Joseph Pilates. It is a
method that uses conditioning of the body and mind to promote good health. Pilates
involves controlling your breathing and body movements in a way that makes you
physically fit in body and mind. Here’s what Pilates can do for you:
Pilates Can Improve Your Mental
Health
When
you do Pilates, you wake up sleeping muscle cells. When this happens, dormant
cells in your brain become activated and you have better brainpower. A test
done on rodents showed mice that engaged in exercise had brains that were
healthier, and they did much better on tests for cognitive function than mice
that didn’t exercise.
Pilates Can Reduce Stress
Pilates
involves breathing slowly and deeply as you exercise. This type of breathing
can help alleviate stress symptoms. As you work your muscles and control your
breathing at the same time, hormones that make you feel happy are released and
your stress declines. In addition to reducing stress, exercise can help you
manage more stress.
Pilates Can Strengthen Your Body
The various positions used in
Pilates will help you defy gravity. Those that are especially helpful are the
ones where you put your legs above your head. Several of the exercises done
lying down were created to keep your organs in place and alleviate pressure on
your heart. Pilates also balances your muscles, which makes you limber and less
likely to get injured.
Pilates Promotes Healthy Range
of Motion
When
you move the jointed parts of your body you stimulate the production of a
protein found in joint fluid. This joint fluid nourishes your bones and acts as
a lubricant. Pilate exercises are designed to enhance joint mobility and keep
you moving.
Pilates Promotes Healthy Bones
The
resistance exercises used in Pilates intensifies the stress on your bones. When
you do these exercises, the muscles trigger the rebuilding of bones as stress is
promoted. Though Pilates can enhance bone density, it is recommended that you
consult with your doctor before engaging in this exercise program if you have
osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Pilates Will Correct Your
Breathing
Since
Pilates involves movement and deep inhalation and exhalation, your respiratory
musculature will become stronger and the circulation of your blood will be at
its best when you do Pilates. You will be able to take in an increased amount
of air. Breathing will be easier.
Pilates Can Enhance Blood
Circulation
Because
Pilates improves blood circulation, it can offer you protection from dementia,
diabetes, and other diseases. It can also increase your energy. Pilates will
fill you with vitality.
Pilates Can Stimulate Your
Lymphatic System
Your
lymphatic system protects you from disease. It rids your body of toxins. The
breathing exercises used in Pilates stimulate the release and movement of cleansing
lymph fluid.
If you decide that you want to incorporate Pilates while on your medical weight loss program make sure you check with your doctor first, even if you don’t have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Practice Pilates in your home or at a studio. If you want to do it in the comfort of your home, you can use a book for guidance or you can go online to take a class. When doing the exercises involved, make sure you have a soft mat you can lie down on, a small pillow and a fat pillow, and a stretchy band that’s not too difficult to pull.
