If you follow fitness workout trends, you know they often come and go. Popular workouts are seen on TV, fitness sites and at your local gym. Have you noticed that some go away within a few years (or maybe even within the SAME year?) That can be annoying, right, as you look for a new workout? Just when you think you’re doing the best ‘new’ thing for your body, you realize you’re not seeing the results you want or you lose interest and move on to the next trend. It’s pretty similar to diet and nutrition trends.
I personally recommend sticking with a workout that has stood the test of time with proven results and one that is known to help improve your body and not potentially harm it. I’m, of course, talking about Pilates.
The fundamentals of Pilates began on the mat in a series of exercises that Joe Pilates devised. Pilates machines or Apparatus came along later to actually help heal wounded soldiers. So, let’s focus on mat work. Understanding the principles is key – concentration, centering, control, precision, breathing, alignment, flow and integration.
Mat work is actually quite challenging and brings you back to the basics, encouraging and building awareness of your own strength. Once these fundamentals are understood, you’ll see results.
Benefits of Pilates in 2015
The benefits are tried and true; they have been around longer than a century! After incorporating Pilates in your fitness routine, you will see improvements in your body, spinal alignment and posture and experience an increase in:
- Stamina
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Muscle Tone
- Core Strength
The bottom line is that it’s effective. It is soothing to the spine and easy on the body.
Pilates Rollup
Trendy workouts often incorporate Pilates moves within their lineup; even further validation that it works. A great example would be the Pilates Roll up. You can definitely test your core strength in this move. Challenge yourself to see how slow you can roll down and up – with total precision and without any momentum. And, avoid flair ups.
It’s very challenging not to use stronger muscle groups like your quadriceps within your Pilates mat exercise like the Pilates Rollup. Also, try your best to avoid flair ups. Close the rib cage by pulling in your belly button and rolling on the breath. Here is a step-by-step guide to completing the Pilates Rollup.
Take a Pilates Mat Class
Whether you like following the latest workout or not, try adding mat Pilates into the mix. You’ll be doing your body a favor! If you’d like to take a class with me, contact me for a private, semi-private or group class and let’s master the fundamentals together!
Join the Pilates Movement
Let’s show our support for Pilates! If you love it as much as I do, add #PilatesforLife to your Pilates images! I look forward to seeing your posts!