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Friday, October 20, 2006

What Are All These Funny Pilates Glossary?

Pilates

Dear friends,
Yeah, I understand, there are just so many terms in Pilates, someone whom is new to this exercise form will be confused.

So, today I am going to share with you the ............

Pilates Glossary.

When getting into Pilates, you can really be overwhelmed by the expanse of it all. There are over 500 different exercises that make up the program, and a beginner may really feel like they’ve gotten in over their heads.

In this writing, I’ll help you to learn some of the basic terms that Pilates employs in order to increase your understanding of the program and make you more comfortable with it.

First, there are many terms that contrast each other, and getting to know them is a great first step.

For instance, the terms abduction and adduction are commonly used throughout the program. Abduction refers to any type of muscle contraction that does not focus itself towards the middle of the body. Adduction, on the other hand, refers to muscle contractions which focus themselves upon the midpoint of the body.

Concentric and eccentric are two commonplace words that are used in Pilates as well as many other forms of exercise. In concentric exercises, the muscle is shortened, and by the same token, eccentric exercises lengthen the muscle.

Next, you’ll want to know some of the terms behind the positions that you should be in to perform the Pilates exercises. While a good Pilates instructor will give you step-by-step instructions, you should know some of the terminology that goes with the motions.

For instance, a ‘supine’ position denotes that you are lying on your back with your head facing upwards. By contrast, the ‘prone’ position refers to laying face down on your stomach.

You’re also going to want to know some of the parts of the anatomy in which Pilates focuses on. The more that you know about your body, the more accurately you can focus your energies on the parts that you’re working out.

The spine is the basis for all Pilates, and it is made up of 33 different vertebrae. Understanding the spine is of utmost importance in order to attain proper balance and focus.

There are different groups of the vertebrae, and we’ll begin with the top of the spine and work our way down. At the top of the spine, you’ll find the seven vertebrae that make up the cervical region. Coincidentally, most activities that involve the neck may use the term cervical to denote the area of exercise.

Next comes the thoracic vertebrae; they are the part of the spine that connects to the rib cage. Below the thoracic vertebrae are the lumbars, which are larger vertebrae that support the lower back. After the lumbars, the sacrum vertebrae are found.

These five vertebrae are located around the top of the pelvis, and reach the tailbone at their end. An understanding of the bones in the back is key to getting the most out of your Pilates workout.

In addition to understanding the vertebrae, the ‘powerhouse’ is a term that you’re going to want to learn. It is the term that Joseph Pilates coined in order to refer to the most crucial area of the body that Pilates strengthens. The powerhouse is defined as the torso area that includes the muscles of the abdomen, the pelvic region, the lower back, and the buttocks.

Now that you’ve got a basic idea of the terms that are related to Pilates, you can be more confident the next time you engage yourself in the activity. Whether at a fitness center or at home exercising yourself, a greater understanding of the activities can have numerous positive benefits.


Pilates

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Monday, October 16, 2006

Is Pilates Safe for Older Adults Part II

Pilates

Dear friends,
Did you have a good rest for this weekend, I hope you had..... :o)

Ok, lets continue with our sharing..........

Is Pilates Safe for Older Adults?

Pilates is described as a whole body regime because it strives to treat and nourish all of the body.

Even the small, generally ignored joints and muscles located around the ankles and feet are conditioned through pilates. No one-muscle group is favored or emphasized, but rather the whole body is conditioned. This provides participants with an all-over results that include lean, long muscles that are supple yet strong.

The benefits of pilates have been especially noted in older adults. Older adults are more likely to suffer from symptoms of arthritis, including stiff and painful joints. Osteoporosis and other conditions that involve degeneration of the bones can be helped through the regular use of pilates.

Pilates practice has also been lauded for its ability to help prevent injury. Even adults undergoing serious rehabilitation therapy can use pilates to increase their range of motion and overall muscle strength. But is pilates safe for all adults? Who should avoid participating in a pilates program, and who is more likely to benefit from the program?

Consult your medical professional if you have any doubts about your pilates program. If you are suffering from severe degeneration or physical pain, you should take extra care before beginning a pilates program. You should never feel pain while practicing pilates. If you do, you know that there is something wrong. Don't be afraid to pull back if you feel overwhelmed.

Pilates was designed to progress naturally from one movement to another. If you feel stopped at one movement, don't give up. Start at the beginning and work your way back to the areas you found most challenging.

Ok, that wraps up my sharing on this topic of whether Pilates is safe for older adults.

Till we 'meet' again, take care and stay healthy.

Cheers.


Pilates

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