How I Fell in Love with Pilates

Exercise plays an important role in my life. While running (and more recently, swimming) has been my passion since college, I have always tried to also incorporate some type of strength training exercise because it boosts your metabolism and burns fat. Running, as a cardiovascular exercise, is better for burning calories and maintaining a healthy heart.

I have tried many types of strength training exercises over the years such as free weights, yoga, weight machines, circuit training and calisthenics. Over the past eight months I have dropped all of those exercise and fallen in love with Pilates!

A Little Stretch of History

There are two types of Pilates: Matt and Reformer. The principle behind each type is to strengthen your core and use all of your muscles in each exercise that you practice. Pilates was first developed by a German by  the name of Joseph Pilates, in the early 1900s. The very specific type of breathing used in Pilates and attention to alignment of the spine (and therefore, your posture) makes this exercise method very challenging when done correctly.  Joseph Pilates referred to the core muscles, or the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks as the “powerhouse.” All of his exercises begin with this area and then extend to the rest of your muscles.

On a personal level, of all the strength training methods I have regularly practiced over the past 15 years, Pilates hasmade me feel the strongest. In addition, I definitely see the most results in my body since I started Pilates only 8 months ago. Even my husband has noticed a lot more of the definition in my arms and core without me even asking him if he sees it.  My husband noticing a change like that on his own without my having to solicit it from him first is the best proof that it’s working!

Practicing Pilates

If you decide to start practicing Pilates, remember that a large part of it has to do with your instructor and his/her attention to detail. You need someone that will push your limits in a healthy way and also pay attention to your form, breathing and alignment. If you live on Long Island, I STRONGLY recommend The Art of Pilates by Einat.  The trainers in this Pilates-only studio are focused, extremely educated about the practice, and give you an amazing work out. Their prices are also very reasonable, which I find important. This shows me that they not only are in this for their business but also because they care about helping people get healthy and strong. You can reach The Art of Pilates by Einat in Merrick, NY at 516-375-3307.

Stretch Your Fingers

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