Building Strength And Flexibility With Pilates Houston Classes

By Casandra Newton


Since Joseph Pilates introduced it in the early part of the 20th Century, Pilates became a popular method that was soon incorporated in gyms and by trainers. He named his concept The Art of Contrology in reference to the way the exercises encourage mental concentration to gain control over the muscles. The exercises focuses on the major postural muscles that ensure body balance and that support the spine which prevents and helps to alleviate back pain. With some top tips and tricks, one can reap the maximum weight of Pilates Houston classes.

Pilates also concentrates on boosting mental focus using specific breathing techniques and centering. Building up of the back muscles and the deep ones in the stomach area are also worked on which helps with one improving correct posture. In addition to this, muscles are strengthened. This stretches them out and makes them more flexible. Even physical therapists make use of it when rehabilitating muscles that have been made weak by illness or injury.

Pilates makes use of the body as equipment by using body weight to provide resistance which is important for muscles building and toning. It is for this reason that it is so effective for toning joints and muscles and keeping them strong.

Other equipment is used too. They are made such that they provide resistance which forces the body to use energy to be able to take it. The reformer is the main kind of equipment that is used. It has a slide platform that is held together with springs at one end. To put the platform in motion, one pushes off from a non-moving bar or by pulling on ropes that are also attached.

The test of using the reformer is to keep the platform in motion and not losing balance while standing or seated on a surface that is in motion. The workout is more intense if one stays standing as there is more resistance than if one sits down.

Equipment that looks a lot like rowing machines is also used. Known as the Cadillac, it has a platform that has a pad within a frame that looks like a cage at the top. Bars and straps are hooked onto the frame using springs. To get really good results, choose the bars and straps that are shorter. They force one to pull harder which demands more from the muscles.

There is also the Wanda chair. It comes with a platform as well only it resembles a bench. It has a bar affixed on it that has springs. One uses it by pushing on the bar which may be done while standing or seated on the bench. It can also be done as one lies on the floor. Again, it is best to lie down or stand so that all the body weight can be used. Other equipment used in Pilates is the spine corrector, the arc barrel and the ladder barrel.

The program includes exercises done on the mat. They make the hip muscles and torso strong which makes the spine and hips more flexible. They make a workout more effective when done with other floor exercises. One of this is yoga which is commonly integrated in Pilates Houston classes. Exercise balls and Pilates balls also make a workout more effective.




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