 |
|
Pilates
The Pilates Group
Many patients who come in for care often benefit by complementing their care with exercise. One such exercise is Pilates. We spoke with Elizabeth Burke of The Pilates Group to find out more about Pilates and its benefits.
Photo Source: www.thepilatesgroup.net
|
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise regime designed by Joseph Pilates 1880 – 1967. Joseph Pilates designed over 500 exercises to help develop a strong, flexible body free of muscular tension. There are approximately 40 exercises on the Mat and the rest are performed on various types of apparatus using springs as resistance. The springs are designed to create less strain on the joints of the body at the beginning of the range of motion and increase the amount of resistance at the end of the range of motion promoting leaner and longer muscles.
Can Pilates help with lower back pain? How?
All of the Pilates exercises put an emphasis on initiating the muscles of the “Lumbo Pelvic Complex” (Pelvic Floor, Transverse Abdominals, Multifidus and Diaphragm) before each movement is performed. This means the “trunk” of the body is supported and helping to develop stronger core strength. A stronger core promotes a healthy spine and improves postural awareness.
How will Pilates benefit me?
Some of the benefits you can expect from a well designed Pilates program are: strength, flexibility, increased abdominal strength, better posture and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Is there a difference between Pilates and Yoga?
All of the Pilates exercises are performed in movement where Yoga exercises will hold a postural position. Pilates uses equipment and therefore has the resistance component to many of its exercises. However Pilates can help compliment any exercise form like Yoga, running, golf or injury rehabilitation.
How can Pilates be used for rehabilitation?
The Pilates equipment can help with many forms of injury rehabilitation because the body can be supported in space while adding small ranges of motion with light resistance. This takes away the challenge of working against gravity while learning how to strengthen muscle systems in balance with each other. Often injuries occur because of some muscles overdeveloping while other supporting muscles are weaker. Pilates is fewer repetitions of a movement done properly to increase mind body awareness. |
|
|