Posture Perfect With Pilates

Need stress relief and relaxation? Want longer, leaner muscles, increased strength and flexibility, and improved posture, balance, co-ordination and sports performance? An intriguing form of exercise called Pilates (pi-la-teez) gives you all these benefits and more. This conditioning method features hundreds of stretching and strengthening exercises completed on a mat or on specialized equipment like the ball. Originally accepted by elite athletes and dancers, the public has now embraced this challenging yet gentle mind-body workout.

Pilates is a whole-body experience with emphasis on the core muscles--those that stabilize and co-ordinate movement of the spine. Therefore, the abdominal and back muscles, particularly those of the lower back, are challenged during any Pilates repertoire. Not that Pilates is only for the strong and able--it is very versatile and can be adapted for just about everyone, from high-end athletes to those in rehabilitation.

The past decade has seen a huge increase in awareness and demand for Pilates. Check out your local Y, community or fitness centre for a class today.