1) Pilates defies gravity
The word “lengthen” is a term often used in Pilates. It is important for those concerned about aging gracefully. Gravity pulls our bones and skin down to the ground and is a major contributor to aging. It makes us look old, tired and defeated.
Pilates teaches the body to fight gravity using muscular control and uses it as a force to strengthen muscles instead of giving in to it. You learn to lengthen your spine and fight the forces of gravity, ultimately feeling taller and in more control. The bones realign in your body and your organs can work unimpeded and more efficiently. While gravity pulls you down, Pilates picks you up.
2) Pilates keeps your brain active
The amount of brainpower required for an effective Pilates session could rival that of 3 cups of espresso. There are so many cues and precision techniques to remember that your brain needs to start building neural networks to keep up. As this practice continues, the mental processes evolve and graduate. This means that the earlier cues you learned will soon become inherent in the practice and new networks start to form. Science teaches us that we can build brainpower as we age (as opposed to simply “sustaining” it), and the right stimuli will encourage both halves of the brain to continue learning. That’s why Pilates is a MIND/BODY technique – a lot of thought and conversation between your mind and body must take place for an effective practice. Win/win for the Pilates practitioner.
3) Pilates has your back and neck
Disc herniation, bulging discs, disc degeneration, spondylosis mess with the structure of the spine. And anyone who’s ever had their back failing on them knows that the simple act of walking suddenly becomes quite challenging. The back is designed for movement and thrives well when properly taken care of. Sitting in a chair all day or keeping the spine imbalanced with habitual or repetitive motion (think: playing golf) is torturous for the back and will mostly likely lead to potential problems. There are a huge number of muscles that support a healthy back which can help prevent the onset of age-related issues and injuries. So have no fear – play the 18 holes but balance yourself out before and afterward with a good Pilates session. Bonus – Pilates will improve your score.
4) Pilates boosts your mind and body
Now with all this extra blood flow, efficient movement, and brain stimulation, you’ll find that you’ll start being stronger, standing straighter, and becoming more connected to your body. Chronic ailments might start to fade away, and you’ll find some hidden energy. These extra bonuses really start to boost your confidence, in and out of the studio. And after a period, these endorphins will make you believe you can accomplish anything. You might even start trying out or doing things you thought were once out of your reach because you know that your body will feel great and be strong doing it. It’s like you can really rely on your body to be constantly ready for whatever you want to do. So, you can take the leap knowing that your body will gladly keep up.
5) Pilates is sexy
One look at a studio with equipment, and you might think you’ve entered some kind of medieval torture chamber. But you’ll quickly learn that those machines will become your best friends. Blood flow and efficient movement are wonderful for the sex drive, but the real bonus comes in two other parts. First, you’ll start to really learn about your body and how you can control and manipulate it to do what you want, including the pelvic floor muscles that help us control some reproductive musculature. Second, whether you work on machines or on the mat, the confidence you gain from Pilates truly permeates all boundaries. And you’ll find that it’s true for sexual confidence. Any insecurities will melt away with your exhales, and sex will take on a whole new meaning.
6) Pilates is hard
There’s a saying: If Pilates is easy, you’re doing it wrong. It takes precision, control, and dedication. It’s hard work. But your body is your only true asset, and you’ll be rewarding yourself by committing to improve it. On the days you don’t do Pilates, your body will let you know its disappointment (via mysterious aches and pains).
So, take a deep inhale. Exhale it all out. And get ready to change your life.
Contact Pilates Dynamics Studio on 011-7925459 or 0729992229 or email us on: info@pilatesdynamics.co.za