Pilates for beginners
If your days involve lots of sitting, your back probably often feels stiff. You may be developing rounded shoulders or a hunched back. You may also be suffering lower back and hip pain. Prolonged sitting weakens the back and hip extensor muscles, causes compression on the lumbar vertebrae and the sacroiliac joints.
These Five Basic Principles provide the foundation of Pilates method and are key to performing the exercises safely and effectively. These principles will make you more aware of your ‘core’ and help you get better results from your workout.
Pilates had never been on my fitness agenda even though colleagues and friends had raved about the benefits. I perceived it as too slow and maybe not enough adrenaline rush. I was mistaken.
We all have to keep moving to keep fit and healthy. A knee injury and some joint pains meant that I needed to avoid high impact exercise. Since first trying Pilates, I have made it a priority. By developing a strong core, I have kept mobile and active and I feel good.
You can start these exercises with a smaller range of movement and increase as your strength improves. First, find something sturdy you can lean on at waist-level, a kitchen counter or hand railing for instance. Always focus on quality; not quantity!
You are curious to try Pilates but you know next-to-nothing about Pilates. You may ask yourself what do I need to do before my first Pilates class? What should I bring with me? Do I need to inform the instructor about my physical condition, surgeries I have had? Read on…
