The Pilates Method (sometimes simply Pilates) is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.

Pilates called his method The Art of Contrology, which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.

Possibly one of the most exciting aspects of Pilates is that anyone can do it. Because there’s no bouncing, jarring, or stress to your body, Pilates offers the ideal form of exercise for people who, because of joint pain or muscle weakness, shy away from exercise.

Just some of the many ways you can benefit from doing Pilates regularly include:
 
A Healthy, Supple Spine Pilates gives more support to your spine, creating space between each vertebra. That extra space not only makes you appear taller, it also creates more mobility, transforming your spine from a stiff rod into a supple string of pearls.

This new suppleness prevents degenerative spinal problems, such as slipped disks. It also helps you move with more grace and ease.
 
Kinder, Gentler Conditioning If you’re out of shape, Pilates provides a wonderful way to ease into any kind of fitness plan. Pilates puts no stress on your joints and no wear and tear on your ligaments and cartilage around your joints, especially your knee and shoulder joints. It conditions your muscles in a balanced way and increases your self-awareness by drawing your focus inward. In reality, Pilates is very rehabilitative. It’s almost like going to physical therapy sessions.

To see results, however, you need to do Pilates only three times a week. But you have to be consistent. That’s the key.

Improved Mental Outlook and Increased Motivation Pilates benefits your emotional health. The smooth, steady movements quiet your mind and soothe your nervous system. Each workout will leave you feeling calm, balanced, and rejuvenated. Focus on letting the tension go, and you’ll be on the path to a healthier body inside and out.
 
Better Balance, More Coordination In your 40s, balance starts to deteriorate as your muscles weaken and your nerve receptors lose sensitivity. Pilates reverses this aging process by stabilizing your core. Pilates works the small, deep muscles needed to keep your body steady when walking and keeps your spine both supple and strong.
 
Less Pain and Stiffness If you suffer from osteoarthritis pain, you’ll find that lengthening your body through Pilates will help soothe the soreness. Appropriate exercise is vital to managing arthritis, because it increases flexibility for stretches and reduces pain and fatigue.

Stretching helps pump vital nutrients to your muscles and tendons, which help keep them healthy and minimize your risk of injury. It also stimulates the production of joint lubricants (synovial fluid) and prevents adhesions. As circulation increases, your legs, back, neck, and shoulders loosen up, relieving aches and stiffness.

Pilates also leads to subtle posture improvements, which will also eliminate tension, driving away headaches, backaches, neck aches, and other aches and pains.

Faster Return to Prepregnancy Figure Many women who have given birth ask me how I got my lower tummy so flat after I had my two kids. It doesn’t take that much time, but if you do a few moves on a regular basis, you will see results. Muscles have a beautiful memory. They will bounce back with just a little toning.

The author has written several books including ‘Sculpt Your Body with Balls and Bands’.

Ends