Protected: Fighting the Effects of Cancer Treatment with Exercise
November 30, 2009
Fight the Holiday Bulge with Pilates
November 30, 2009
During this season, we are faced at every turn with large holiday meals and festive treats. In other words…calories galore! Just because the holidays are upon us, we do not need to give up the battle of the bulge. For years, performers have known the secret to a firm body and lengthened torso-Pilates exercise. Pilates exercise is used by top athletes, actors and models to improve performance, rehabilitate injury and obtain longer and leaner bodies.
Pilates is a method of exercise brought to the United States by the European fitness guru, Joseph H. Pilates in 1926. His revolutionary style of fitness, is a union of yoga, stretching, and calisthenics to increase strength and flexibility without adding bulk. The Pilates method offers a philosophy of training the body and mind to achieve uniform precision and control of one’s body in the most efficient and healthy ways possible. These techniques emphasize linking movements together in a graceful and flowing way, requiring continual focus and control of the whole body. Pilates based exercises work to improve strength, flexibility, posture, balance, coordination, breathing control, alignment and endurance. The Pilates method consists of a series of mat exercises and apparatus intended to develop a balance between strength and flexibility, thereby improving proper execution of movement without undue stresses to the body.
As with all forms of exercise, it is important to perform these techniques with proper form and muscle recruitment. Studios devoted to the instruction of the Pilates method offer individual sessions incorporating use of the various apparatus and mat work while stressing the basic principles of controlled movement. It is recommended to start with individual instruction to achieve the proper form. Once trained in the basic principles of the Pilates method, Pilates group classes can be sought in fitness studios, gyms and home videos. At our facility we offer Pilates exercises as an adjunct to manual physical therapy techniques during rehabilitation, as well as individual and group instruction for wellness and fitness enthusiasts.
Now until 01/31/12
Lisa Johnson, Owner of Body In Balance, has earned the distinction of Board Certified Specialist in Women’s Health by the 