Do Winsor Pilates
Really Work?
What Are Pilates Expected Results?
Pilates Exercise: More Than Just A
Core Workout -
by Jamie Clark
It's a common misconception that Pilates method exercise is really only good for strengthening and stretching the core muscles of the body. Many people use it to tone their abs and improve their posture but, in reality, Pilates can do much more than that.
In fact, when combined with an aerobic “cardio” exercise component (e.g., jogging or Spinning) Pilates can provide you with a fantastic full-body conditioning workout!
How
Do Pilates Really Work?
Pilates Exercises for Strength-Training
Many Pilates exercises are great muscle-toners that work large muscle groups beyond just the abs and lower back. The Plank position, for example, effectively works the chest and triceps muscle groups. Leg kicks work the glute and hamstring muscles very well. Free squats are
one
of the best lower-body exercises around, working the quadriceps, the hamstrings, and the glutes. And don't think these are “sissy” strength-training exercises. Many of the world's top martial artists practice them on a daily basis to toughen their bodies and reduce the chance of getting hurt.
When it comes to workout equipment, it's hard to beat
Pilates devices like the
reformer
and
wunda chair.
Not only do they stretch and strengthen muscles –-
providing great full-body conditioning -- but they “teach”
you how to use the different parts of your body together
efficiently. Efficient body movement is a key to great
overall fitness, injury prevention, and high-level
sports performance. Portable Pilates equipment like
resistance bands and the Pilates circle are also
effective fitness tools. They're inexpensive, easy to
travel with, and can easily be incorporated into many of
your current muscle-conditioning routines for increased
benefits.
Mind-Muscle Benefits
The muscle-control and mental-focus gained from doing
Pilates on a regular basis can help you in all areas of
fitness. This is one reason why so many professional
athletes are now taking Pilates classes. Few exercise
system help you to coordinate your mind and body as well
as Pilates. The benefits of this coordination are
increased strength, improved posture, alleviation of
pain, improved mental focus, and (obviously) improved
physical coordination... to name just a few!
Putting It All Together - What are Pilates Expect
Results?
Simply put, Pilates exercise is a highly-effective method of total-body conditioning. No, it won't put slabs of new muscle on your body. But it will
make the muscle you have look great, while providing an array of benefits that typical
weight-training can't give you. Throw in some good cardio training and you've got a complete solution for great fitness and health!
and