Pilates has gained popularity with every age group because it utilizes the mind in order to improve the body. The constant focus, concentration and attention with every movement helps the body become aware of the correct form it should be in while practicing Pilates.
Dianne Daniels, author of Pilates Perfect: The Complete Guide to Pilates Exercise at Home, says that when mental focus is not applied when doing Pilates, an individual is just doing movements. If the continued focus is held, the body is capable of telling an individual what it is capable doing and not doing through smooth movements.
Core Muscles Used in Pilates
When executing Pilates moves correctly, an individual utilizes the core muscles, which encompasses the front, side and back of the body's midsection.
The first muscle, which is closest to the surface, is called the rectus abdominus, according to Daniels. This muscle extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the pubic bone. Although it is difficult to target more fibers with either the upper or lower part of the rectus abdominus, it can be done. The rectus abdominus usually contracts as the breastbone and pubic bone move closer by lengthening the muscle that is involved in the movement.
The next layer of muscle, the internal and external obliques, cross the front and back of the body like a corset, Daniels says. The obliques, which wrap around the body, connect into a layer of fascia, otherwise known as connective tissue, in the back.
The transverse abdominus , which is the deepest abdominal layer, runs horizontally across the front of the body from the lower ribs to the top of the hip bone. When Pilates moves are done correctly, every repetition will engage the transverse abdominus; therefore creating a flat belly.
The sole responsibility of the transverse abdominus is to hold organs in that are all fighting for a same amount of room to breathe within the little cavity. Daniels points out that without a strong transverse abdominus, organs push forward, creating a bulging stomach because they have no else to go.
The last part of the midsection, which runs from the side to the back, includes the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae. These muscles support the upright posture, along with helping someone lift their body from a laying position.
Immediate Results with Pilates
An individual should start noticing changes to their body within a couple of weeks regardless of the fitness level they started at. Someone who practices Pilates should feel taller and lighter while they do their daily stroll.
In addition, Pilates will also rid someone of chronic discomfort, back problems, shoulder irritation, along with hip pain disappearing.
Pilates Changes the Body From Inside Out
A successful Pilates workout engages new neuromuscular connections through a focused mind and body connection. When that focus remains, the new neuromuscular connection triggers muscles to respond, which is the essence of a Pilates movement.
Once an individual takes control of what their body is doing and not doing, an endless amount of improvements for the body can occur when practiced consistently.
Warm Up Before a Workout
In order to engage the correct core muscles during a Pilates workout, make sure to warm up the muscles beforehand. When muscles are warmed it is easier on them to become strengthened and lengthened. Warm muscles work best when exercising because the temperature inside the body is elevated and ready for a good workout.
Meghan McCoy - Meghan McCoy's journalism career began in 2007 with articles in "The State Press," "The Scottsdale Times," "The Apache Junction News," ...
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