PILATES IS FOR EVERYONE

Nancy L. Brown, NTP, CSCS,Contributing Writer

Pilates is a form of exercise designed to help both strengthen the core and improve flexibility.  Because of these two great attributes Pilates is an excellent choice of exercise for anyone from professional athletes to de-conditioned individuals.  Pilates can be beneficial to reduce and prevent back pain, improve posture, core strength, and sport performance.  Some say it is the kind of exercise you want to do in order to obtain a dancer’s body….in other words, a long lean body.  What woman doesn’t want that, right?

Pilates helps to reduce and prevent back pain by increasing core strength, flexibility, and mobility.  Much pain can occur as a result of a lack of mobility.  When movement between the vertebrae is reduced you increase your risk of developing pain.  Pilates serves to both increase the flexibility within the spinal vertebrae as well as throughout the whole body.  If you currently have a back injury/problem you may need to modify certain exercises.  Always listen to your body.  Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is not quite right.  You will want to heed to this pain signal and discontinue or modify that particular exercise.  For example, if you have a low back disc herniation you will need to avoid forward flexion exercises such as the roll up and rolling like a ball but will benefit greatly from exercises like the hip lift, single leg stretch, and straight leg.  If you are taking Pilates classes I recommend letting the instructor know of any back injuries so that he/she may be able to help you modify certain exercises.

Pilates helps to improve posture by helping to maintain proper positioning and spinal alignment throughout the execution of the exercise.  When you have better posture you not only help to reduce pain in your body you also look and feel better.  Take a look at yourself in the mirror and slouch.  Notice how much larger you look in that position than when you stand with good posture.  Simply improving posture helps to make the appearance of a leaner body and it also helps to increase your self confidence.  Notice how much more confident you look and feel when standing with good posture.

Athletes can benefit greatly from strengthening the core and improving flexibility in order to improve sport performance and prevent injury.  Improving core strength also helps to improve balance which serves to be of benefit to many sports.  So whether your goal is to become the next Rebecca Lobo or you simply want to feel good, Pilates is a great option for you.

I have personally benefited from Pilates.  After being involved in sports every season since the fifth grade and going on to play Division I volleyball I was left with my share of sports injuries.  One of which is spondylolysthesis, which is a shifting of one of my low back vertebrae forward.  As a result of this injury, I have experienced low back and sciatic pain.  Pilates has proven to be one of the best exercises for me to prevent both low back and sciatic pain. 

When deciding to begin a Pilates exercise program you will want to start in a beginner mat class.  Once you have mastered the beginner exercises with precision and proper form you are ready to move on to intermediate exercises.  I recommend incorporating a Pilates routine into your exercise program 2-3 times per week.  A 20-30 minute routine is adequate to keep your core strong and feeling good.  To inquire about beginning a Mat Pilates class contact Real Results at 413-579-2320.

Nancy L. Brown, NTP, CSCS

REAL RESULTS Weight Loss Director

Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Fitness First – Feeding Hills, MA.