Pilates is a revolutionary fitness
regimen that was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th
Century. It's a style of exercise that focuses on muscle control
and minimal movement in order to strengthen core muscles without
undue strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments. Today, people of
all ages find Pilates to be a wonderful way to exercise or aide
in physical therapy.
The main piece of equipment used in Pilates is a Pilates ball. A
sturdy rubber Pilates ball allows you to do a number of
exercises and stretches comfortably in your own home. You should
choose a Pilates ball based on your size and weight for comfort
and safety. Pilates balls store out of the way easily when you
are done with them, because they deflate and inflate in about a
minute. If you don't have the space in your house for an entire
private gym set, a Pilates ball can do wonders.
Not all Pilates exercises need to be done on a ball. Because the
program focuses on minimal movement and muscle control, many of
the exercises are done lying on the floor. A special Pilates mat
can be purchased to make the routines more comfortable and give
you added back support. The core of the original Pilates program
was mat work and that remains at the heart of contemporary
Pilates programs.
Pilates is great for people with muscle and joint problems. The
simple, low friction exercises build muscle tone without putting
excessive strain on the body. People who suffer from chronic
back pain often find that working with a Pilates ball provides
them with great relief. Just sitting while balanced on a Pilates
ball automatically aligns your spine and relieves pressure,
which means you can possibly improve your health and well-being
just while watching TV!
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