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Pilates Series of Five

This video goes through five basic Pilates mat exercises commonly called “The Series of Five.” This series, which takes only about 5 minutes to perform, focuses on the “powerhouse” abs. If you go through this series daily, you will quickly develop your core strength.

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The Five Principles of Pilates

Unless you’ve just crawled out from under a rock you’ll have heard something, good or bad, about the famous Pilates system. Created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s, this system of exercise focuses on strengthening the core postural muscles to provide support for the spine and help keep the body balanced. More specifically, Pilates teaches the art of breathing correctly which creates self awareness in the body. There are five principles of Pilates to help center the exerciser.

First and foremost, breathing properly is the root of all Pilates exercises. By breathing deeply and correctly, you can force blood to circulate more thoroughly throughout the body. Inhaling more deeply allows more oxygen to be transported to the muscles for complete muscle fatigue which then whisks away the metabolic waste left after energy is expended. The amount of self awareness that stems from learning how to breathe properly is almost astounding as you will begin to feel each and every muscle throughout your body.

The second principle concerns the alignment of your skeletal structure to not only prevent injury but to get the most out of each and every exercise you perform.  It takes some practice to get your body to completely line up with each part respectively but will have a significant impact on the technique and form of your exercises as well as prevent injuries.

Strengthening your powerhouse, also known as centering, is considered the third principle of Pilates. It is believed that all the energy for Pilates exercises originates from the center and radiates outwards to the extremities. It is important to build your powerhouse, also known as the core, for improvement not only in your exercises but in everyday life.

Being able to focus your mind to pay specific and careful attention to your body is the next principle of Pilates. Not only does this increase the effectiveness of your exercises but it also strengthens your mind-muscle connections. You should be completely in tune with your body and able to understand what it is telling you.

Muscle control and precision is the final principle of Pilates.  This educates you on how to move your body in a controlled and graceful way which lends to your everyday life. Using controlled movements decreases the risk of injury as well as slowing down your movements.

Pilates isn’t just a form of exercise; it is also a way of life. By lending the principles taught in Pilates to normal life situations, you become more aware of what your body is constantly doing and can this make your life better.

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Five Ways Pilates Can Improve Your Health

Pilates has been very popular throughout the years with a wide range of people. Pilates offers a fun, low-impact exercise and fitness workout that helps tone muscles and build strength without bulky muscles.

Our Top Five Ways That Pilates Can Improve Your Health

1. Pilates exercises build your core and back

Pilates exercises are great exercises to build and increase a person’s core abdominal and low back muscle strength. The improvement in the strength and coordination of the core muscles in Pilates can help prevent low back injuries or improve chronic low back pain due to poor posture. Staying pain-free is a key healthy component to staying fit and active.

2. Pilates can help reduce stress and promote relaxation

One part of Pilates focuses on learning proper breathing techniques with deep and relaxing inhalations. The focus of Pilates on this type of breathing can help promote relaxation and decrease the amount of stress a person feels. This reduction of stress can help decrease certain risk factors for certain health problems.

3. Pilates can improve muscle tone and strength without muscle bulk

Regular Pilates classes can help develop that lean, toned and fit look that many of us want to have but struggle with. Pilates can help your muscles become fit and well-toned without the added musclee bulk because many of the exercises are done with your own body weight or assisted with various Pilates equipment.

4. Pilates Improves Your Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Pilates also helps develop a strong connection between your body (muscles) and your mind by focusing on experiencing the flow of energy with each movement. This “mind-body” awareness helps improve your body’s ability to connect with the mind.

5. Pilates Prevents  Injuries

Pilates workouts can help improve your balance, core strength and fitness, all important pieces to avoiding developing an injury due to poor posture, tight muscles or a fall. One major benefit of Pilates is that Pilates develops “functional” or whole body strength and doesn’t focus on just a limited number of muscle groups. This “whole body” focus in Pilates prevents muscle imbalances and reduces injuries.