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Learn Why Pilates Can Stop Your Neck Pain

By: harvey hine


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Pilates is an exercise discipline that concentrates on developing the body's core postural muscles to promote the correct support and alignment of the spine. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century, the work out regimen is intended to lengthen, strengthen and improve the flexibility of these strength, which may help stop and/or ease back pain.

The Pilates routine in built on seven "Pilates Principles," which include:

* proper Alignment
* Breathing
* Centering
* attentiveness
* Control
* Precision
* Fluidity of Motion

Joseph Pilates thought that by following these principles, practitioners of the program, which he at first called Contrology, could gather the rewards of increased flexibility, strength, body awareness, liveliness and improved mental concentration.

Pilates is an very flexible program. Many exercises are planned to be performed on a soft mat on the floor; others must be done on particular resistance equipment that both challenges the body and provides support. movements may be done either in a group setting or alone, and the actions may be customized to account for varying fitness levels, or to stay away from injury or for rehabilitative purposes. Actions are performed in a specific sequence; only a few repetitions of each are required, with an emphasis on correct breathing, transition and form. Beginner students typically learn the basics, adding new movements as their abilities and stamina develops.

Most Pilates lessons, predominantly those offered in local gyms and fitness studios, focus on "mat work," which consists of about 40 different actions performed while lying on your back, side, or stomach, or while kneeling or sitting. Most mat exercises involve holding your chest tightly in place while moving your arms and legs in different directions, working the core strength of your body while using your own weight for resistance. Some Pilates mat lessons incorporate extra gear such as hand weights, medicine balls or work out bands into the movements for additional resistance.

Pilates and yoga are comparable in that both focus on breathing and the precise execution of controlled movements; both also build strength and flexibility. There are several differences, though, both in philosophy and practice:

* Pilates chiefly concentrates on refining core strength in the body and lengthening the spine. Yoga aims to work the body equally and unite the body with mind and spirit.
* Yoga tends to incorporate more statically held poses, where Pilates involves more interchange and repetitions.
* Breathing and concentration are basic to both practices; nonetheless, the difference is that Pilates instructs one to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth; while in yoga, one is taught to inhale and exhale through the nose only.
* Yoga has many different styles, but all are usually performed in a group setting on a yoga mat with the aid of a yoga trainer. Pilates has a full complement of mat work, but also incorporates work on the Pilates machines.

To help you find a experienced Pilates teacher or plan, here are some general guidelines, questions and information to consider:

* Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training program?
* Did that training program require a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours?
* How many total hours were spent in the training plan? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based way of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces certified teachers.)
* Does the teacher have any other movement related teaching experience?
* How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
* What is the instructor's/ studio's philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle individual requirements, injuries and rehabilitation?
* Does the teacher or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?

As with any work out regimen, check with your doctor before enrolling in your first Pilates class, predominantly if you are suffering from back pain or have a spinal condition that has already been diagnosed. Your doctor can determine whether Pilates is an suitable form of exercise for you, and it's critical that you rely on his or her judgment.

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