The Benefits of Pilates
Joseph Pilates, a German athlete, developed a revolutionary for of exercise in the late 1920's know today as "Pilates". The Pilates method compromises more than 500 exercises, performed as mat-based or using spacial resistance equipment developed by Joseph Pilates and emphasizing spring resistance. Pilates emphasizes flowing movements requiring the use of the "Powerhouse" or the core of the body - the deep abdominal muscles, buttock muscles ad muscles around the spine.Benefits of Pilates-Based Rehabilitation:
- Balances strength and flexibility
- Increases core strength and stability
- Improves postural problems
- No impact-easy on the joints
- Enhances functional fitness, ease of everyday movement
- Improves balance, coordination and circulation
- Heightens body awareness
In the rehabilitation world, Pilates has improved and cured or maintained strength for many injuries and disorders. The benefits of Pilates-based rehabilitation from a licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor is remarkable. The repertoire of exercises is modified and constructed to tailor the needs of an elite athlete to an elderly individual with many other persons in between. Physical therapists are using Pilates successfully to treat many common conditions and diseases, including:
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Sciatica
- Shoulder impingement/tendonitis
- Hip bursitis
- Ankle injuries
- Total knee/hip replacements
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease'
- Fibromyalgia
- Scoliosis
