Pilates: Power to the Core

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner

May kicks off with International Pilates Day on May 6. Drop some Pilates workouts into your spring bucket list and watch your fitness level grow …

Swimsuits have made their appearance in stores. It’s only a matter of time before they appear on people, yourself included. Sounds like a great time for a confidence booster. A stronger core, better flexibility, and sculpted lean muscles would be great about now as well. The full mind-body workout of Pilates accommodates.

The Inspiration

Pilates has grown in popularity since its creation by Joseph Pilates a century ago. Joseph was an unhealthy child. Despite poor health, he managed to become a boxer, diver, skier, gymnast, and yoga practitioner through creating a series of strengthening and stretching exercises. This Pilates workout focuses on training the body’s core. It mobilizes the spine and builds flexibility. Pilates’ gentle, disciplined approach meets the needs of diverse exercisers, from the deconditioned to the athletic.

Magic Behind the Movement

Pilates can be considered a way of life. The exercise does not end when you leave the mat or studio. Rather, it teaches a better way to move throughout your day. By practicing Pilates, you gain ongoing awareness of how you carry your body and execute physical tasks. You learn to think your way to better gardening, an improved golf game, or easier bench presses.

Being aware of body mechanics helps reduce the chance of injury and increases success. Simultaneously, it introduces more precision and accurate muscle use for better ongoing movement (including a winning tennis swing).

“Pilates works the entire body in unison. Each muscle group is toned, including smaller, secondary muscles that help keep joints stabilized,” according to Center Pilates Coordinator Tracy Matino.

Getting to the Core

Athletes and post-rehab exercisers have different reasons for working out; however, both require a focus on the body’s core. The core consists of all muscles in the body’s midsection. Their function is to stabilize the entire body. When the core is ignored, imbalances happen causing areas of misuse, underuse, and overuse.

The Pilates tree analogy helps understand this concept. A tree is only as strong as its trunk and roots. Pilates focuses on the body’s “trunk,” including a stabilized spine, which creates a strong foundation to support the rest of the body. This explains its success in helping individual’s overcome injuries, improve range-of-motion, and often ease muscle and joint issues.

Center member Lori Edelstein shares her experience, “I’ve been weight training for 10 years. When I developed a lower back problem, I turned to Pilates. In only a few sessions, my back felt better. It was amazing!”

Lori attributes this success to Pilates’ ability to strengthen her abdominal muscles. “Pilates taught me how to incorporate abdominal stabilization in my workout routines. A strong abdomen results in a strong body,” according to Lori, whose theory makes sense. Strong abs are better able to support the spine and all muscles surrounding it.

Not every back issue can be helped by Pilates though. Speak with your physician before you begin any exercise program while overcoming an injury or pain. A proper diagnosis needs to be made before attempting any exercise for relief or otherwise.

As for those swimsuits, Pilates can help trim the body and sculpt a flatter midsection. However, experts advise weight loss is often a needed component in creating the six-pack your swim trunks crave.

Tracy informs, “Pilates works you from the inside out, creating a deep, flexible core.” This allows your body the flexibility and functionality needed to reach myriad fitness goals quicker and easier, whether through weightlifting or cardio exercise. A flexible core can yield a strong, sculpted body. Combined with a healthful diet, this goes a long way toward obtaining those killer abs.

Positivity

Standing in front of an array of summer wear may have you working up a sweat. Before you shed the sweatshirts and brave the fitting room, Pilates can give you a boost.

Practicing Pilates brings awareness to your physical and mental strength. It helps us nurture ourselves through proper movement. This attention becomes habitual through improved posture, mindful movements, and self-assurance in a longer, leaner physique. In effect, we present ourselves more positively to the world through the ability to physically carry our structure with confidence.

Although not as meditative as yoga, Pilates provides stress relief through its emphasis on breathing coupled with the rhythmic series of exercises. Pilates is an escape from everyday stresses for member Allison Striano.

“Doing Pilates has brought balance to my weekly routine, both mentally and physically. It is a unique workout, which has become my favorite,” Allison shares.

Before you pick up another shopping bag, swing another golf club, or (yikes!) try on a new swimsuit, visit the Pilates studio or hit the mat. You can take on swimsuit season lying down!

Sources

Webmd.com.

Image Credits

Tennis player: pixabay.com/en/tennis-player-woman-racket-sport-676310

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