Pilates is more than just an Ab workout
Pilates is known for helping tighten flabby abs, but you have to look deeper as to why Pilates exercises work so well when it comes to accomplishing this. Pilates focuses on working your core, especially your deeper ab muscles. By working to tone the abdominal and pelvic muscles, Pilates provides more stability and freedom of movement throughout your body.
Pilates is commonly described as “mindful” or a “mind-body” exercise. The physical practice of core control and stability is supported by concentration and precision coordinated by breathing. In order to develop a body that works as a well-balanced whole, you need more than just a single spot reduction approach. In other words, it can’t just be about your abs.
The principles of Pilates — control, concentration, centering, breathing, flow, and precision all support an integrated mind-body experience through Pilates exercises.
3 common misconceptions about Pilates
It’s time to bust some of the more common myths about Pilates:
- Pilates is just an ab workout: Your core is not just those 6-pack abs, and Pilates is not just about strengthening it. Your core includes your deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and the deep stabilizing muscles of your spine. The core is all about control.
- Pilates is just stretching: While Pilate improves your flexibility, it’s not just about stretching. If you try to stretch a tight group of muscles with long holds, the results are temporary because your brain/body doesn’t “know” what to do with this new motion. Pilates focuses on controlled movement — lengthening the muscle while, at the same time, using your core stabilizers to help align your body and control the movement.
- Pilates will help you lose weight: Doing Pilates alone isn’t going to get rid of your belly fat, but it’s an important part of the puzzle. While most Pilates sessions don’t involve a lot of cardiovascular work, Pilates is great in combination with cardiovascular activities such as biking, swimming, and running. This combination will help to ensure that you maintain a healthy heart, a toned body, and can help you achieve your weight loss goal.
The “truth” about Pilates
It’s true — Pilates is great for your core, but it’s about more than just strengthening your abs. It can help to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. It can help to relieve tension and stress.
But, it’s important to find the right teacher. Your instructor should be certified by an acknowledged certifying body as a Pilates instructor. They should begin with a focus on breathing and about how it’s incorporated into the actual exercises.
Your instructor should focus on the precise execution of each exercise and balance abdominal work with lower and upper back work. In addition, instruction should also focus on improving your posture, balance, and stability to help with your everyday movements.
At Propel Pilates and Fitness, located in Rancho Bernardo, all of our instructors are certified through internationally recognized Pilates or Personal Training organizations. Each is committed to providing you with the best instruction possible.
Visit our website to learn more about Pilates ,and sign up for a free introductory session.