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Once a well kept secret among dancers and celebrities, people everywhere are choosing to stay fit and
healthy with more mindful, less jarring exercise, such as STOTT PILATES, a contemporary approach to the
original "mind-body" exercise method pioneered by the late German athlete Joseph Pilates.
And with good reason. Such methods not only yield remarkable results – like pain-free posture and
longer, leaner muscles – they actually feel good to do. So, whether you attend pilates-based mat
classes at your local fitness club, prefer one-on-one equipment-based training or want to work out at home,
here are 10 good reasons to get started:
1. FLATTEN, TONE AND STRENGTHEN ABS
A constant focus on torso stability and control has earned STOTT PILATES a reputation for yielding
strong, flat abdominal muscles.
2. DEVELOP LONGER, LEANER MUSCLES
Balancing strength with flexibility not only allows you to achieve a long lean look it allows your
body to move with ease.
3. IMPROVE POSTURE
Unlike Joseph Pilates’ original teachings and conventional fitness programs which promote a
flat spine, STOTT PILATES recognizes and restores the important shock-absorbing features of the
spine’s natural curves.
4. PREVENT INJURY
In addition to increasing flexibility, STOTT PILATES exercises strengthen muscles concentrically
and eccentrically (resistance on both on the ‘in’ and ‘out’ movement).
This improves muscular control which prevents injuries.
5. INCREASE CIRCULATION, RELIEVE TENSION
An emphasis on breathing not only oxygenates the blood and replenishes cells throughout the body, it
also increases blood flow to the brain which helps with focus and has a revitalizing effect.
6. ENHANCE BODY AWARENESS
By identifying and strengthening the body’s deeper support system – the muscles of
the torso – you learn how to move efficiently. Lifting, walking, even running become the
easy-to-accomplish tasks they should be.
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7. BALANCE STRENGTH WITH FLEXIBILITY
Most of us have over-trained our muscles by doing too much forward bending and not enough stretching
and strengthening of the back. Similarly, athletes tend to overuse certain muscles while neglecting others.
STOTT PILATES works on rebalancing the muscles around the joints to enhance performance and reduce
the chance of injury.
8. HEIGHTEN CONCENTRATION
By being conscious of your muscles and how to control them, you gradually strengthen the powerful
mind-body connection. This heightened awareness and focus carries over into everyday life.
9. ENHANCE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Dancers have sworn by pilates-based exercise for years because of the performance enhancement,
focus and injury prevention it promotes. Today, everyone from pro golfers to olympic athletes are using
it to improve their ‘games.’
10. BOOST SELF-ESTEEM!
Because the method of exercise feels so good to do and yields noticeable results, you’ll
feel great about yourself!
As people continue to seek a better quality life – free of aches and pains – more mindful
exercise will continue to gain popularity.
Remember, as with any conditioning program, make sure you have your doctor’s okay before getting
started, and that you attend classes with a certified instructor. STOTT PILATES Certified Instructors are
among the most qualified in the industry.
Former professional dancer Moira Merrithew is Vice President and Program Director of STOTT PILATES.
She spent more than a decade refining Joseph Pilates’ original method to include modern principles of
exercise science and spinal rehabilitation to make is safe and effective for everyone ranging from
deconditioned seniors to elite athletes. Today, STOTT PILATES is the only fully integrated organization
offering equipment, education, videos, manuals, accessories and consultation in their contemporary branded
approach to pilates exercise.
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