Pilates
Pilates
I started with Pilates lessons and it really works!
For so many years I have been saying that I should get in shape, or rather BACK in shape.
I am 32 and for the past 4 years, I have been so busy with our twins that there was no time for sports or hobbies. So finally a friend forced me to go with her to a Pilates class.
It was very difficult. The next day I was extremely sore. My first thought was: no way am I going to torture myself twice a week. But I did continue and I have been going to classes for the past three months.
The results are already showing. In fact, it showed after 4 or 5 classes! I look better (flatter stomach) and I have a much better posture. Also, my blood pressure was high when I started and now it came down significantly. So all you readers out there: give Pilates a chance. It worked for me!
The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates), pronounced /p??l?:ti:z/ is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. As of 2005 there are 11 million people who practice the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States.
Pilates called his method Contrology, because he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles. The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles.
see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates
Get a clear mind with Pilates
A quick update about my Pilates experiences.
I find that , when I am extremely busy at work or mentally stressed, etc. the best way to get my head (and stomach!) straight is to do a Pilates class.
Like any sport or cardio activity, you have to really concentrate on the excersizes. Otherwise, why bother taking the time? By giving it your 100% attention, you are more or less forced to forget your daily life. It becomes an isle of tranquillity! So why do Pilates to get this benefit, and not any other sport activity? Well, I can only speak for myself: because I don’t get all exhausted from Pilates I can do it at lunch time or even early in the morning. It gives me energy so I can cope with the rest of the day.
There defenitely is also a time for hard workouts in the club (weights etc.) I do this at least once a week. But it is much more of an effort then my Pilates class. Plus: no weight machine did ever give me a flat stomach the way Pilates did!
(to be continued)