So what is Pilates and what are the Pilates benefits? Joseph Pilates who was a German gymnast of Greek ancestry designed this exercise system in the early part of the 20th century. He designed a set of aerobic exercises that were intended to help injured soldiers returning from the First World War return to civilian life. He was a firm believer in the connection between mind and body. To gain the maximum Pilates benefits begin by learning to breathe correctly and you do need to focus on this. It is important to get the maximum oxygen into the muscles. Eventually with practice you will achieve an increased sense of peace. Once the exercises have been learnt the body automatically moves with grace, poise and balance.

Because Pilates focuses on the whole body and not just parts of it overgrown muscles don’t developed, as frequent repetition is not part of the regime. Increasing muscle mass is not the intention. The intention is to build long lean muscles without bulk and this is one of the main Pilates benefits. This is exactly what you need if you want to learn how to lose weight permanently. It is another reason professional dancers and gymnasts use it. For natural weight loss some exercise is essential in order to turn fat into muscle. And the best way to lose weight is to engage in some form of physical activity. Pilates is an ideal solution.

Joseph Pilates was a firm believer that all physical energy began from the body “core”. This is the large muscle group at the centre of the body and includes the stomach muscles, the hips, the buttocks and the lower part of the back. He maintained that strengthening these muscles provided a firm foundation from which other muscles could function. By strengthening the centre of your body it strengthens the alignment of your back as well as stabilising it too. As a result you gradually develop poise, posture and a sleek well-toned body with slim thighs and a flat stomach.

Over the years Pilates has developed from the original 34 exercises. These were done on a mat, which is essential. A Pilates mat is a little different from a yoga mat for example. It needs to be thick and durable and provide some cushioning. Later on in his career Pilates invented other pieces of apparatus with a set of exercises for each. Many of the additional exercises are resistance exercises and some make use of springs to provide resistance. The beginner could get started with a mat and progress to other apparatus at a later date. Perhaps the next item to make use of is a Pilates ball. This is similar to an exercise ball but is large and is intended to provide a firm cushion as you lie on it either on your back or your stomach.

There are many other apparatus, which provide different opportunities. The purists believe that those not devised by Joseph Pilates should not be called Pilates. However the word Pilates has developed into a generic word. Perhaps the best advise before buying too much equipment of your own is to enroll on a Pilate class and see what is on offer. You’ll almost certainly find that Pilates is one of the most effective weight loss exercises.

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