The next decade....what's in store?
Musings of a yamfooted traveller still trying to shake off those last 20 pounds as she treks across the Caribbean
I've gone on and on about how beneficial Pilates has been to me. Here is a little blurb about what it is. Got it from SparkPeople.com.
Pilates
An exercised-based system, Pilates connects the mind, body, and spirit. Its goal is to improve flexibility and strength, creating a balance between the two. Participants gain and develop body awareness through different poses and stretches, which target specific muscle groups.
The overall goal of Pilates is to make a toned body without adding bulk, while lengthening the muscles. Many individuals have found it improves their coordination and relieves stress. Although many exercises can achieve this, Pilates is an interesting way to reach these goals.
Pilates focuses most on the "core", a group of muscles that is often ignored and underdeveloped, including the back and abdominal muscles. In the process, it improves posture and eases back pain. Unlike cardiovascular activity, which tends to emphasize the legs, or weight lifting, which often emphasizes arms and legs, Pilates will create a balanced body.
This is a great exercise program for both beginners and those fitness buffs alike. It’s something that can be tailor-fit to anyone’s specific fitness level, adapting as that person becomes more skilled and flexible. Since it’s low impact, Pilates can assist the rehabilitation process for certain injuries. It’s a great way to become more responsive to your body. It may even create more fluid mobility throughout the day, not just during the exercise session.
Exercise Extra: Pilates appears to be a new exercise trend, a new craze. Actually, this system has been in existence since the 1920s. Pronounced "puh-LAH-teez," it is named after its developer, Joseph Pilates.