Can I (Should I) Start With Pilates Mat?

Pilates mat workouts account for much of the work done in a Pilates routine for the general public. It’s the most common way for a beginner to get involved into the program, and at the same time, it’s one of the hardest parts of the exercise to fully develop. Pilates exercises are useful in helping the body to become strengthened and realigned, with increases in posture and balance occurring rapidly. In the original Pilates program organized by Joseph Pilates years ago, there are 44 different Pilates mat workouts. The exercises center around six basic principles which are the foundation for the program. The principles are: * Centering * Concentration * Control * Precision * Breathing * Flow (of and thru the movement) Initiating most Pilates mat workouts are performed while sitting - on the stiz bones, with the abdominals lifted - or in a reclined position. These exercises form much of the basis of a Pilates Mat routine. The merits of Pilates equipment should not neglect the basic mat work, as it is significant to perform and it is a part of Pilates that can be performed anywhere, regardless of conditions. All beginners are recommended to attend a class, with a certified instructor/teacher in order to get a very basic, strong understanding how to properly perform the Pilates mat exercises. Pilates incredible popularity can be traced to the fact that it provides faithful practitioners with benefits that you simply can't get through traditional aerobics/strength training format. Long Lean Strength If want a long, lean look without bulky muscles, but with all the strength, Pilates may be just what you have been searching for. There's a reason that Pilates is the exercise of choice for gymnasts and professional dancers. Most conventional workouts tend to create bulky muscle. Why is this? In most workouts, the emphasis is placed on repetition and building strong muscles. This causes already-strong (think: big) muscles to get even strong, and thus bigger. Pilates does not rely on frequent repetition, and thus no overgrown muscles. Pilates focuses on the whole body, not just on sections of muscles. Increase the Strength of the Stabilizer Muscles There are many benefits that one can achieve through a proper use of the Pilates program. One of the most significant points of the Pilates program is it's ability to increase the strength of stabilizer muscles that may not commonly be worked out in a standard exercise program. Also, since Pilates stresses the use of graceful and fluid movements, it can be a great way to get a better sense of the kinesthetics of your body. The sense of body that you can achieve through Pilates is quite significant, and many find that they are better able to balance themselves regardless of the position that they are in. A Mind-Body Workout That Strengthens Your Whole Body Another one of the benefits of Pilates is that it engages the mind and enhances body awareness. Like yoga, tai chi, and Asian martial arts, Pilates is not just a workout for your body. Joseph H. Pilates studied yoga, martial arts, and other ancient mind-body activities and included a strong philosophical foundation into the practice of Pilates. Pilates not only helps tone your body, but your mind and spirit as well. The smooth, precise and flowing movements of Pilates are designed to make you more mindful of your body. Breath movement is also emphasized to put you in touch with how breath moves through your body. Pilates has been demonstrated to reduce stress, anxiety, and helps lift depression. The mind-body connection is fundamental to the study and practice of Pilates. Pilates Strengthens Your Core like No Other Exercise Another one of the benefits of Pilates is that the increased amount of strength that one can achieve in the ‘core' of the body. The term core refers to the muscles in and around the area of the abdominal muscles and the back. Proper breathing control is also stressed in pilates, adding to the numerous list of benefits that one can attain through regular use of the exercise program. Prevention from Future Injuries Pilates strengthens your body and helps prevent future injuries. Pilates helps to condition the whole body, not just certain muscles. This helps balance the muscle and strength of the body. Since no set of muscles is ever over or under trained, there is less risk for injury. The body becomes more fluid and supple, protecting against injury. Pilates Helps You Become Efficient With Your Body The benefits of Pilates is that it teaches you how to become efficient with your body. Very few exercises can help your body become more efficient in its movement. Why is efficiency so important? Being efficient means that your body moves in a way, that is smoother, safer, and less prone to injury. By practicing pilates on a regular basis, you can train your body more to move in a much safer and more efficient manner.