Pilates Is Exploding in Popularity
Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates exercise program once stated that, ” the whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier”. It looks like he may just get his wish if the increase in Pilate’s participants continues in the way that it has in Europe, Canada, Pan-Asia and the United States are just a few of the countries currently following his exercises that promote balance of mind and body; flexibility and strength of not only muscle but mind as well.
Pilates combines stretching, specific movements and correct focused breathing in a manner that promotes this mind – body connection. Gymnasts, dancers and athletes have all followed in the footsteps of Joseph Pilates in order to realize their dreams of having a body that embraces physical strength and flexibility with the ability to fill the lungs to fuel the bodies need for oxygen. The benefits of Pilates make the exercises popular in fitness classes, physical therapy clinics, corporate retreats, spa, and wellness centers all across the globe.
Pilates is no longer just popular with women, males especially professional athletes have peeled back the female stigma that may have been associated with the exercises in the past to reap the benefits that Pilates can deliver regarding strength and endurance. The popularity has spread throughout not only the sex barriers but according to SGMA International, which is a trade association for sports equipment manufacturer; Pilates is one of the fastest growing activities of a fitness nature in the United States. The popularity is spanning all age groups.
The popularity of Pilates has spread from not only gymnasts, and dancers but also athletes such as Tiger Woods, Jason Kidd, Curt Scholling and Ruben Brown. Those who’s careers demand a lean, fit body such as those who are in the public eye like actors and actresses have also embraced the Pilates popularity. Celebrities have been known to partake in the Pilates craze in order to reap the mind and body benefits of the exercises. Pilate’s celebrity users include Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone and Madonna.
Many individuals join the Pilates exercises for the posture and flexibility benefits achieved when doing the exercises on a regular basis. There are over 500 exercises that initiate movement in muscles located in the abdominal, lower back, buttocks and hip regions.
Another reason Pilate’s is so popular is not just because of the fitness benefits but because of how energized it makes you feel after the workout. The nature of the exercises really gets your blood circulating throughout your entire body and renews your tissues with fresh oxygen. The combination of improved blood circulation and increased oxygen intake can do wonders in the way you look and feel.
