From rehab to reducing obesity, Pilates can hugely improve our lifestyle and is one of the fastest growing exercises in the world with millions of people taking advantage of its progressive positive results in physical fitness. The specialists at Real Pilates have combined the benefits and the impact it makes to one’s life.
“The mind-body wellness exercise is built on three main elements – exercise, breathing and meditation. Pilates elongates and strengthens all the core muscle groups and also improves flexibility, strength balance and body awareness. It can make a remarkable difference to your health without taking a toll on your body,” Reza Alavi, the Founder and Managing Director of Real Pilates comments.
Catering to men and women of all ages, Pilates can be performed using your own body weight, or with the help of various pieces of equipment. A Pilates workout includes a wide variety of exercises. Each exercise is performed with attention to proper breathing techniques and abdominal muscle control. To gain the maximum benefit, it is recommended to do Pilates at least two or three times per week. Postural improvements can be seen after 10 to 20 sessions. The following tips showcase the key areas where Pilates is proven to show tremendous results.
Benefits of Pilates:
Stress Relief
In today’s fast paced world, stress and anxiety are two of the most commonly faced health issues. Pilates uses selective relaxation of the muscles through verbal cuing and physical touch. Progressive relaxation is a stress management technique used by contracting and relaxing different muscle groups. Using concentration driven exercises by focusing on correct breathing patterns is proven to significantly reduce stress and anxiety. One of the causes of obesity is stress and anxiety; having the ability to have complete control of your mind and body through Pilates can lead to purifying the body and soul and attracts positivity.
General Wellbeing
There are various health benefits that can be achieved by practicing Pilates. By emphasizing controlled breathing and appropriate movements of the body, this world-famous exercise method can improve flexibility and joint mobility. With more emphasis given to quality and precision of movement over number of repetitions, the correct execution of these different forms can improve physical coordination and balance of the body. There is also an increase in lung capacity and circulation seen through instructed inhaling and exhaling during exercise.
Reducing Obesity & Diabetes
According to a UAE Diabetes case study, “By 2020, an estimated 32 percent of the adult population (age 20-79), including both UAE nationals and expatriates, may have diabetes or pre diabetes, if current trends continue” – United Health Group.
Diabetes is directly linked to obesity, which is a matter of concern with 73% of women and 66% of men being overweight or obese in the UAE. The increased popularity of Pilates can be traced to its accessibility and low-impact exercises. This exercise is not strenuous on the joints and can be performed by any individual irrespective of age, weight, or sex. It involves movements that emphasise the abdominal and other core muscles as well as fluid movements that enhance stamina and neuromuscular connections.
Focus on Posture
Pilates is extremely effective in reinforcing movement patterns to strengthen the spine and reduce chances of developing an excessive Kyphosis (an exaggerate forward thoracic curvature – hunched forward). By effective strengthening of lower and mid back muscles, these precise exercises can even improve habitual posture, enhancing shoulder and abdominal musculature.
For individuals diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, Pilates is extremely beneficial as it strengthens postural muscles, which can improve body composition and reduce the fat stored in the midsection.
Rehab
Experts around the globe recommend Pilates as a form of rehabilitation as it is tremendously effective in a variety of ways. It aids in the prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances, joint injuries, and spinal injuries. Pilates aids in developing an accurate technique for muscle injuries related to sport and optimal health. The precise and controlled movements achieved through proper technique reduce aging and osteoporosis. Pilates is also performed as part of the recovery process for cancer survivors post treatment.
Suitable for everyone
One of the major reasons for the widespread popularity of Pilates nowadays is its suitability for everyone from beginner to advanced. There are two types of Pilates, one is a Mat-based Pilates that includes a series of exercises using gravity, and your own body weight as resistance. The second type is the usage of a reformer, which a moveable carriage and springs used to adjust resistance levels. Everyone can perform both types of Pilates, as it can be adapted to all levels and body types.
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Visit www.real-pilates.com or use the Real Pilates free app to book your
place. Alternatively, send an email to jumeirah@real-pilates.com