The West Virginia Herald Dispatch discusses the popularity of Pilates and has a couple of nice sidebars, one about finding a qualified instructor and another about the benefits of this exercise routine.
The exercises are low-impact because they don’t put force on joints but rather the muscles that support them.
The exercises are far from mindless repetitions of calisthenics. They require concentration. Slight changes in position are critical. So is deep, rhythmic breathing.
Pilates isn’t aerobic exercise, although sometimes students finish a workout with flushed cheeks and a film of sweat on their skin.
Posted by linda on April 07, 2004Great article.
This is definitely the best thing for me. I've got a wonky back, and not so great knees. Since I started doing the advanced class I'll be the first to admit there's nothing wimpy about it.
I add some weight training to it (important for all us women over thirty), but that's all I do. I love the way my body looks now. I was nearly 5'8" by the time I was in 8th grade, and I only weighed 90-something pounds. I slouched so that I could be closer to my peers. My posture took a beating, and doing Pilates has definitely made me longer and leaner. My clothes fit better, too. I can see myself doing some form of Pilates for the rest of my life.
Geez - I'm starting to sound like a Pilates salesperson... :-)
Posted by: kelly on April 8, 2004 07:25 AMSell away! The Largehearted Boy and I are planning to do Pilates this summer while our yoga teacher is on sabbatical. I look forward to the benefits.
Posted by: linda on April 10, 2004 09:53 AM