Most people, regardless of age and physical activity level, can benefit form Pilates exercise programs. These programs not only have amazing health benefits, but also increase self-confidence and over all well-being. Why do Pilates exercise programs have such amazing benefits?

First, Pilates strengthens the core of the body. It works the muscles in the back, tummy and rear end. This core affects your entire body. You will be more stable when standing, walking and sitting. You will also have better posture when your core muscles are strengthened. And, of course, a strong core results in a smooth, toned belly!

Once you have your core strengthened, it is actually more comfortable to sit properly. When your posture improves as a result of a Pilates exercise program, you will find that your back is more comfy. If your back is starting to arch, it is likely do to a compression of the spine. This is helped by Pilate’s exercises, because they lengthen the spine and encourage you to sit and stand with a straight spine. If that sounds like torture, rest assured that with Pilates, it will be comfortable to sit and stand properly.

Pilates increases your mind body connection. In order to successfully perform a Pilates exercise program, you must have your mind engaged in the activity. You must concentrate on your breathing, which is an important part of Pilates. Some moves require inhaling, while others require exhaling. Proper breathing requires a mental focus that many other exercise programs do not require. Proper focusing abilities are tools you can use in any area of life, not just your exercise program.

Pilates exercises create long muscles. Why is this a benefit? Because instead of working just one muscle group with your exercise, you work the entire body with just about every move. The focus is on controlling your body, not working it to death. This results in a pleasing look that is long, rather than bulked up around large muscle groups. This is a major benefit of Pilates over most other strength training exercise programs.

Because Pilates is a low impact workout, anyone can participate. Those with joint pain and other muscle issues can do the movements to their own level of control. They do not have to worry about impact on those sore muscles and joints, because there is little to no impact with Pilates. From senior citizens to growing children, all can benefit from Pilates exercises.

Finally, working a Pilates exercise program greatly increases your flexibility, while strengthening muscles at the same time. Many strength training programs only focus on strengthening, not flexibility. This creates muscles that are easily injured, because the tendons are so tight that they can easily snap. Pilates provides flexibility training in conjunction with strength training.

If you are ready to take advantage of these amazing health benefits, it is time to start Pilates. Get a DVD that you can use at home and start your exercise program as soon as possible. Pilates DVDs are affordable and easy to find. You can even check one out from your library! When you start working out with Pilates, your body will thank you and you will love the improvement you find in your appearance!

Pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being in many ways. I have been doing Pilates for three years and I have seen for myself how challenging, yet effective it is.

Recently, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic muscle and soft tissue pain syndrome. One of my osteopathic doctors told me that if I hadnt been doing Pilates (and yoga), I would not be able to get on and off the examining table. As a matter of fact, when patients come to see him because of pain, he often recommends Pilates as a method of treatment.

While it certainly helps with physical problems, you will find many other positive rewards when you start integrating Pilates into your exercise program.

#1 Benefit of Pilates – Strong Core

Pilates focuses on strengthening your deep abdominal muscles, your back and your butt. This results in greater pelvic stability and less likelihood that you will sustain an injury in your back. You will also enjoy having a flat, toned and sleek tummy.

#2 Benefit of Pilates – Improved Posture

Pilates works to lengthen the spinal compression that you might be developing, especially as you grow older or spend long hours hunched over in front of a computer. Many of us spend a great part of the day with our shoulders slumped forward. Pilates encourages you to lengthen the back of your neck and to slide your shoulder blades back and down. This encourages better postural alignment and allows you to stand and sit straighter and taller.

#3 Benefit of Pilates – Increased Strength and Flexibility

When you are doing Pilates, you are simultaneously strengthening and stretching your muscles. This gives your joints greater range of motion and also helps prevent the likelihood that you will get injured.

#4 Benefit of Pilates – Longer and Leaner Muscles

Many strength-training exercises focus on working only one body part at a time, which leads to a compressed, bulky muscle. When you do Pilates exercises, you are working your entire body and you elongate the muscle as you move it with precision and control. The result  your body has a longer, leaner look.

#5 Benefit of Pilates – Improved Mind Body Connection

Pilates is not a mindless activity. There is a very strong focus on deep breathing. You do certain moves as you inhale, while others as you exhale. This fosters a greater awareness about how you can integrate deep breathing and movement into positive body control.

#6 Benefit of Pilates – It is Safe for Everyone

Pilates is a gentle, low impact workout. In every class, you are given a modification to address your own unique level of strength, flexibility, and fitness. With the proper instruction, it is safe for seniors, for those who are physically challenged, and also those who are recovering from injuries.

If youve ever wondered about Pilates, why not give it a try? You can see for yourself how Pilates can make a positive difference in your mind, health and, of course  your body.