Pilates Can Benefit Teens Too
Adults understand the reasons why Pilates is popular. They know that Pilates can help keep their bodies in shape, help them to lose weight and also strengthen their body. Teens today are more conscious of body image and the need for fitness than perhaps past generations. Pilates has been known to improve both mental and physical health, while improving flexibility.
Pilates can help you to shape your body by increasing flexibility, creating stronger muscles and toning the body into a shape that is pleasing and functional. A fit body can endure stress and demands on the body.
Pilates can assist teens in increasing blood circulation and sculpting their body. When a body is sculpted and fit, the teen has increased energy to accomplish other daily tasks.
Teens find confidence to do Pilates successfully because anyone no matter their present fitness level or ability can do Pilates as it is designed. Pilates is also accessible to teens as Pilates is so popular that classes are generally readily available in most cities.
Teens should be aware though, that due to its popularity, many individuals are overwhelmed by the number of available classes and may become complacent regarding quality of instruction.
Teens who choose to participate in after school fitness programs such as Pilates do so with the knowledge that their decision could have a positive impact on improving academic achievement and give them a competitive edge in sports.
Teens should be reminded to wear comfortable fitting clothes such as shorts, tights, t-shirt or tank top. They can forget the shoes as Pilates is usually done without them.
Stressed out teens will be able to learn how to use the mind-body connection taught during Pilates lessons to help them deal with the stress of school, relationships or home life.
Teens who do not relish getting all sweaty can use the natural strength and flexibility benefits of Pilates by taking each movement slow. Teens desiring to increase the heart rate in order to burn calories or receive an accelerated workout can of course take the exercises at a faster pace as long as they remember that the movements should be fluid in nature and done with proper breathing technique.
Teens typically are bored easily so Pilate’s appeals to them as it has a lot of built in diversity that can hold a teen’s attention. There are two formats to Pilates – mat exercises and exercises done with equipment. The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates purposely built variety into the exercises giving users fewer repetitions of a number of different exercises rather than lots of repetitions of just a few exercises. Pilates can be done in a group or alone after the initial instruction period is finished; giving the teen the options to go it alone at their own pace or to continue with a group for social and support benefits. A Pilate’s trainer is always available in-group situations giving the class that little extra ability to boost confidence and lend a supporting hand.
Teens as well as adults should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program especially if they have health issues or have led a previously sedentary lifestyle.
