BENEFITS OF PILATES

Written by Josie McKenlay http://vitalflow.tv

What can you expect to gain?

• Improves core strength, working on transversus abdominis and multifidus spinae.

• Provides pelvis, shoulder and spine stability.
• Entire body becomes stronger, more mobile and flexible.
• Posture improves.
• Long, lean muscles (as opposed to bulky muscles from using weights/gym).
• Relieves stress and fatigue.
• Increase in vitality.
• Improves circulation.
• Promotes a feeling of wellbeing.
• Helps relieve depression and anxiety.
• Develops body-awareness.
• Improves muscle tone.
• Improves co-ordination and balance.
• Prevents injury.
• Improves bone density, guarding against osteoporosis.
• Good for sportsmen: Improves core strength, balance and works both sides of the body.

• Helps relieve symptoms of PMS.
• Stretches hamstrings, hip flexors, piriformis.
• Improve and prevent various back conditions: Scoliosis, facet joint problems, disc problems, kyphosis, lordosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, sway backs.
• Ante and post-natal benefits, can help with SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction).
• Prevent and help cure stress incontinence by strengthening pelvic floor.
• Recommended for prostate problems (again pelvic floor).
• Relieves arthritits by improving mobility in the joints.
• Increases sexual stamina.
• Ease digestive problems, eg, IBS, indigestion, constipation.
• Increases metabolism, helping with thyroid problems.
• Can reduce high blood pressure.
• Eliminates toxins from the body, lungs.
• Aids sleep - beneficial for insomniacs.
• Unites body and mind.
• Benefits can be seen within weeks and need only take 15 - 30 minutes a day.
• Improves concentration.
• Will help achieve a flat abdomen, slimmer hips and thighs.
• No age barrier - all can benefit.
• Can reduce back, neck, knee pain.