By Rachel Maxwell

rachel@centerfit.net

In last month’s article I explained what the Pilates system of movement is.

Now I’d like to give you a few of my top reasons why you may consider trying it.

1. Improved Posture and Body Awareness. Pilates teaches body alignment and helps you learn how to move better. You learn how to properly align your spine and pelvis, and engage your core. This in turn helps you move from a strong center which translates into more power and grace in your movements.

2. Bone Health. Pilates is a form of body weight resistance training. To develop and maintain strong bones, we must put them under load. The Pilates system of movement is full of exercises such as planks and bridges which help strengthen your bones while also developing muscle.

3. Lean Muscle. Pilates helps you develop lean muscle mass. It teaches movement of the body as an integrated whole rather than isolating individual muscles and loading them. Pilates develops strong, lean bodies without bulk.

4. Less Back Pain. By developing core strength and stability, solid Pilates practice does wonders for easing back pain. Because you learn how to engage your core, breath properly and better integrate your movements, Pilates can do a lot to fix poor movement patterns that result in aches and pains throughout your body – especially your back.

5. Improved Athletic Performance. With a strong core, better alignment in your movements and solid breathing technique, Pilates improves your ability to move with power and fluidity. Many professional athletes have discovered this and practice Pilates to improve their performance and help minimize injury.

These are just a few of my favorite reasons to practice Pilates. It is a system of movement that is easily modified and progressed to help individuals where they are in age and physical condition.

I have clients in their 80s who do it.

Pilates is appropriate for folks of all ages and sizes and you can start practicing Pilates no matter how fit or deconditioned you may be.