Strengthening Activity: Pilates

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Strengthening Activity: Pilates

Want to strengthen, stretch, and tone your body? Join the hundreds of thousands

of people who have discovered the power of Pilates. Developed in the early 1900s

by ph Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez), this exercise technique works to

condition core muscles in the abdomen and back through targeted exercises and

focused breathing. Devotees experience benefits like improved posture and

balance, increased lung capacity, and enhanced coordination.

If you want to try Pilates, you can choose between traditional mat Pilates and

machine Pilates. Mat Pilates classes usually cost between $10-$20 per session,

though many gyms offer free mat Pilates classes to their members. Machine

Pilates classes require additional equipment and private or semi-private

instruction. They are usually limited to one or two students. Mat and machine

Pilates complement each other, so you may want to try them both if your budget

allows. Whether you choose mat or machine Pilates, it's vital that you have a

trained instructor showing you how to use the machines and safely perform the

moves.

Dr. Arthur Agatston, preventive cardiologist and author of The South Beach Diet,

recommends Pilates as an effective choice for resistance training while

following The South Beach DietT lifestyle. Most people who try Pilates find that

their posture and balance improves, they have more flexibility, and the core

muscles of the back and abdomen become stronger. Since these core muscles power

most of our movements, including walking, people who faithfully practice Pilates

may experience improved performance in other activities.

Last, but certainly not least, the strengthening of muscles through Pilates will

help increase your metabolism and aid in your weight-loss efforts. For these

reasons, and because it's easy on the joints, Pilates can be practiced by

first-time exercisers and more seasoned athletes.

For more information on Pilates or to locate a certified instructor near you,

visit the Web site of the Pilates Method Alliance.