Pilates - a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.

The Pilates Method was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s by combining mind and body work through a controlled sequence of movement. According to www.pilatesinsights.com, Joseph Pilates developed these movements based on his experiences with yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts, and other fitness techniques. Many dancers soon became avid practitioners and displayed the benefits of Pilate method through their fluid movements.

Regular practice and mastery of the technique stretches, strengthens, and tones muscle, improves posture, flexibility, and balance, and unites mind and body. Almost nine decades later, the benefits of Pilates continue to be recognized by people who want to take a more controlled low-impact approach to fitness.

Reducig Stress and Tension with Pilates

The benefits of Pilates are many, and through continued patience and dedication, movements can be mastered and the benefits clearly defined. In addition to the benefits of Pilates mentioned above, regular practice of the method builds a strong, long, and lean body core using deep abdominal muscles. Pilates movements also reduce stress and tension, increase energy, improve circulation and range of motion, and strengthen the spine improving flexibility, which promotes back health and recovery from injury.

The benefits of Pilates matwork emphasizes the point that the body is the only tool needed to achieve physical fitness. There really is not need to exercise full speed ahead and possibly cause injury to your body. The old adage, "no pain no gain" is simply not true. A good work out does not have to leave you exhausted and sore.

The benefits of Pilates was again resurrected with a resurge in popularity along side yoga, tae chi, meditation, and turning the focus toward safer and more sensible forms of exercise and total body fitness. Joseph Pilates said, "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness." This is another example of the benefits of Pilates; mental and spiritual health gained through controlled mind/body movements that increase blood flow and improve circulation throughout the body.

The entire body and mind functions better with regular exercise; endorphins are released that improve out mood and outlook on life. Pilates is not just a passing fad, it has been proven to be effective and beneficial to people of all ages. Joseph Pilates also said, "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body." I can attest that you will start feeling more toned after only three sessions, so go ahead and experience the benefits of Pilates for yourself!

Article by M.D. Phillips of Symptoms of Stress.com, an expert in practical stress relief therapies.

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