Tags
brook siler, core, exercise, fitness, pilates, powerhouse, workout
I signed up for a Pilates class as part of the Kinesiology courses I am taking. I had sampled it before, but never took a true Pilates class. I wanted to try it out and see what it is all about. I didn’t think it was something I would benefit from significantly, maybe only indirectly. Since I began Pilates, I see that there is a real significance in it for me. It has been a refreshing experience.
I checked out the book, “The Pilates Body” by Brooke Siler, from the library as our teacher had requested. I read through the first part of the book where it explains the background and principles of Pilates. I started getting interested and taking focus of what our teacher had been explaining in class, also, considering the benefits of Pilates for me.
Pilates has helped me in the sense that I think it would be a great compliment to any other type of workout regime and a good workout on its own. For example, the flexibility would be useful to be able to have full range of motion in other workouts or in daily activities. Also, the lengthening of the muscles would be a great asset to the muscle building aspects of body building exercises. Pilates also develops body strength and this is what I am looking for in a workout. This would help to give me the strength for my weight lifting. Since Pilates concentrates of good form and focus, these principles can be applied with any other exercises.
I went to the gym today and as I worked out, I focused on my breathing. In Pilates, the breath is important to help perform the exercise. I found that this breathing actually helped me to get through my reps and to stay focused.
Strengthening my core has helped in performing my exercises correctly and to maintain good posture even in my daily living. Since I work at a desk all day, it is important for me to maintain good posture while sitting for long periods of time. Practicing Pilates is a great way to strengthen the core and to help maintain correct posture.
I have benefitted from learning Pilates this semester and hope to maintain the exercise after this four-week session is done. Since I work out quite a bit, I feel like I haven’t seen much difference in my body from Pilates so far. However, I do know that the principles have helped me in my workouts and daily living. I think that with advanced Pilates workouts, that I would see an increase in strength and flexibility.
I’m glad that this class worked into my schedule this semester and I look forward to keeping up Pilates in the future. Staying strong in the core and flexible are key in staying fit as we age.