Pilates, The “Real” Benefits.
The “Real” Benefits of Pilates
by Laurette Ryan
Pilates, as we’ve all seen numerous times, has a laundry list of benefits. They range from the physical to the emotional and mental and at times the spiritual. Pilates teachers will espouse the toned muscles -especially fantastic abs or six-pack you will get by doing pilates exercises. They will say you’ll be longer and leaner. You’ll be more mobile and flexible and strengthen your “core” . Teachers will tell you- you will improve neuro-muscular coordination, improve your concentration and reduce stress.
I am always rambling on to anyone who shows the least bit of interest in starting an exercise program all the amazing virtues of Pilates exercise, Joseph Pilates, Pilates history and the wonders of the fit & healthy lifestyle. At times, these slightly interested individuals seem to look at me with a face that says a. I’m sorry I brought it up, or b. how can I gracefully escape or c. wow, she is obsessed, the rumors are true!
However, personally, I am always impressed when I hear the benefits of training directly from my students. I know by heart the list of benefits, but when one of my students relates to me a story about how their exercise program has helped them in their daily lives, that’s when I feel fulfilled. Those stories spur me on,as a teacher, to keep preaching and teaching Pilates, health and fitness.
One of my favorite stories is about the ladies who went to Egypt,( they participate in one of my 50+ age groups). They came back from their amazing vacation and told me how excited they were, that they could swing their legs on up and get on a camel to ride of to a fancy dinner which was schedule for their tour group. Or the woman who went to China and had to use those restroom facilities which require you to straddle and squat , a feat she was sure would have been difficult, if not impossible, except for her dedication to attending our class. The gentleman who after attending Pilates for a year was able to kiss “The Blarney Stone”, he was a big guy and well over 6 feet tall. Real benefits here for middle-aged and older adults to help them to keep enjoying adventures in their lives.
I, also love to hear the stories, maybe less adventurous, but nonetheless priceless. The person who spent some time with her mother-in-law and had to keep lifting the relative’s wheel-chair in and out of her van. She was so thrilled to be able to do this and additionally to have no pain or soreness afterward.
The women who have bounced back with vigor after childbirth. The many individuals who have found recovery from accidents, surgeries and injuries to be not only completely possible , but easier .
Knowing the effects of their stories to inspire me, I asked one of my classes today to write down, what Pilates and exercise in general has done for them. Here are some of their responses.
“ Exercise helps alleviate the stiffness that comes with aging” and “able to do more gardening without the aches and pains. Feel good after class.”
Peggy writes “ am 8 mos. Post hip replacement, and starting this exercise class 2 mos .ago- definitely more flexible and strong. More importantly I feel empowered to restore wellness.”
Also- “recently, I stumbled and would have fallen, I’m sure, but was able to catch myself because of my “core” strengthened by regular exercise.”, Deanna.
I myself also have a real life story . Just last November, I returned home from the Pilates Method Alliance Convention very late at night. The next morning very early, I was half asleep wearing overly long fuzzy pajamas, I went to descend a stair case and on the top step…I went down….literally all the way down , one whole floor, on my back (luge style)- I was thrilled to not have broken any bones but was amazed that not only didn’t I have any bruises – I didn’t have any soreness, misalignments or discomfort of any kind! I have to attribute it to a flexible spine and strong core, all the result of regular Pilates practice.
So instead of a laundry list, here are some real life benefits. Keep moving – Do your Pilates today !
Laurette
My wife raved about Pilates (while also saying how tough it is) so I figured I would give it a shot. Wow – much tougher than Yoga but a great challenge…and this was the “beginners” workout. I was really sore the next day, esp. in my legs.
Anyway, a great addition to a weight and cardio workout program so I’m going to keep consistent!
I used to be a very serious swimmer and relied on that to maintain my core strength. However, since moving to West Coast, I haven’t had much luck finding a pool to train in. As a result, I took up Pilates and WOW, swimming has met its match. The great thing about Pilates vs. swimming is how much stronger and in shape I feel on dry land. Swimming is a funny sport in that a person can be in great swimming shape and still struggle with running, climbing, balance, etc. Pilates really does get your whole body in shape in ways nothing else can. If only I could find a good pool to train in…I think the combination of Pilates and swimming would be the holy grail of exercise (Dara Torres, I’m looking at you!).
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