Pilates Benefits

The benefits are almost endless. Building muscular strength and endurance, in both local and global muscles, learning to breathe through any movements, enhance your coordination and flexibility and have fun doing it. Whether you are an athlete looking for cross training, looking to stay playing your favorite game or hobby, looking to gain mobility, prevent injury, or just want a unique workout, Pilates may be for you.

If you suffer from arthritis, general back pain, stress, depression or an "old" injury, Pilates can help you attain an overall sense of well-being, and ease your pain.You have to be willing to commit to the regimen, just like anything else, if you want to see AND feel results.

Many people find that Pilates is complementary to therapy sessions, whether it is physical, occupational or psychological therapy. Pilates is a mind-body connection, and helps to de-stress the mind and body at the same time.

There are six patterns that emerge most strongly:

Dysfunctional inner back pelvis - These muscles include the psoas and iliacus muscles, why lie deep inside the torso. These muscles are largely responsible for the healthy alignment of the pelvis and lower back. If they are weak or tight, common symptoms include low back pain, knee pain, neck pain, and poor posture.

Pelvic floor dysfunction - The pelvic floor muscles support not only the pelvic organs, they are also involved with balance and alignment of the pelvis. Pelvic floor muscles that are too loose or too tight can be associated with such diverse symptoms as prostate trouble, stress incontinence, sciatia, lower back pain and fallen arches.

No tone in lower belly - Like the pelvic floor, the lower belly helps to support the abdominal organs and contributes to the healthy alignment of the lower back and pelvis. Many of us have strength in our midsection, higher up, but not in the lowest part of the belly that contributes to great posture. Lack of tone in the lower belly can contribute to neck pain, lower back pain and poor posture.

Too much strength or energy in the front of the body - The human body exists in three dimensions. All dimensions predict ease and comfort in our bodies. Many of us inhabit only the front of our bodies and are scarcely connected to the back of our bodies. This tendency is exacerbated by the fact that our senses are primarily oriented to the front. When we inhabit the front of the body without a balanced relationship with the back, the shoulders round forward and the head pitches forward. To reestablish a relationship with our back body helps us stand upright and breathe fully.

Lack of grounding - When we describe someone as grounded we are generally describing a steadiness, reliability and cheerfulness. We see that the feet are steady on the floor and spine is tall. By fully receiving the flow of gravity reaching downward, we experience a lightness that the flows upward. The lack of grounding contributes to poor posture, anxiety, neck pain and back pain.

Not breathing properly - We intuitively understand that an exhale puts the nervous system into a calmer, clearer place. Inhales are essential, energizing and life giving, but without a full and complete exhale, the calmness and clarity remain elusive. To calm the mind and to create ease in the body, the first step is exhale.

Medical Benefits

Hip Replacements - If a client had been practicing Pilates before the replacement, this will allow the client to slide back into Pilates easier. The body and Powerhouse will connect quicker and more smoothly, allowing the rehabilitation process to continue, and heal the hip replacement sooner. If a client is looking to begin Pilates after the physical therapy, this practice will still enable them to rehabilitate quicker, helping to stabilize their hips evenly, and increase strength throughout the pelvis and hips.

Knee Replacements - Pilates can help increase range of motion and mobility of the knee.Pilates offers a wide range of exercises specific to this injury, and the use of the equipment with modifications.

Rotator cuff injury/operation - There are specific exercises and equipment for the individual who needs to strengthen the shoulder area. Pilates will assist in increasing the range of motion in the shoulder, and build strength.

Post Operative-Breast Reconstruction - The practice of Pilates can increase shoulder mobility and ROM, strengthening the lattissimus dorsi (upper to mid back).

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Can provide relief for inflammation, and help the client to move with ease.

Multiple Sclerosis - Pilates can help to increase balance, joint mobility, increase coordination, and sometimes memory.

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