Pilates

Pilates is an exercise system that seeks to attain body control and sculpting through the mind. It was developed in the early 20th Century by Joseph Pilates, and has since become one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world. While in its purest form, the exercise doesn't emphasize free weights, it's an effective strength training method based on body positioning, concentration, and efficient movement.

Body positioning is important because it helps to isolate muscles for sculpting. Of all Pilates exercises, some of the most popular are abdominal workouts in which the subject lies flat on her back and extends her legs upward at a 45-degree angle. Holding the position, she lifts her upper body to tighten the abdominal muscles and moves her arms rapidly at her sides in order to maintain core strength and sculpt.

Concentration is also important to successfully complete Pilates exercises. By maintaining proper positioning of the body during Pilates exercises the mind is forced to think about the movements that it makes. Using the concept of mind over matter, this gives the individual power to take one’s mind off the burning effects that constant motion and muscle targeting produces.

Efficient movement is yet another area of Pilates exercises that increases positive effects for the individual. The ability to move from one target group of muscles to the other without extended rest time keeps the muscles active. Pilates exercises may sometimes incorporate the use of a gravity ball, but the emphasis is more on control of body movement above anything else. By focusing on repetitive tasks in a circuit mindset the individual, in a sense, trains all muscles at once.

Retreat centers such as Your Clear Point incorporate the activity into their holistic approach to fitness. Through Pilates classes, novices are able to get accustomed to basic workouts and gradually reach more advanced levels while helping the body to maintain a greater sense of concentration and physical fitness. Furthermore, they can perform better in Pilates classes by taking these workouts, which require no special equipment, and performing them at home.

Qualified instructors are able to ease the individual into a challenging but manageable plan that increases in difficulty as one moves along. The more of a routine that it becomes, the more capable the individual will be of increased strength and stamina, and the easier it will be to see the connection between body and mind.

Pilates is a favorite among health professionals and holistic healers such as those at Your Clear Point. Building discipline of the mind is just as important in physical fitness as building muscle and increasing metabolism. It is designed to do all three in a manner that is challenging, but fun. To start your routine, watch test videos online and get a sense for all the hundreds of movements included. Working directly with a professional, however, will give you a more complete understanding of the process and the possibilities.