Pilates Works

by trueblue
(seattle wa)

I guess I?ve always been weak in my core, many times at the end of the day I'd have back pain. After watching Dad struggle with his own back pain that got progressively worse as he aged, I knew I had to make a change.

I signed up for a pilates class at the local gym about 9 months ago. It was great because the gym was just opening so we all were newbies and the instructor was too.

I do mat pilates for about 45 min 2 times a week. Pilates is a nice combination of stretching and strengthening your core. We start by stretching and working on balance.

The exercises I found most helpful focus specifically on core strength. There are several leg lifts that really work your core. The breathing technique also is very important.

Here are descriptions of a couple of my favorites

Exercise 1

On your back, with core engaged. Lift your legs in the air so it looks like you are sitting in a chair. Extend legs into the air, so they are straight, then lower legs to about 1? off the ground, then raise back to the sitting position. Repeat 10 times.

Exercise 2

On back core with engaged, raise one leg and do circles . 10 one direction and then ten the other direction.

Exercise 3

The hundred, (look on any pilates site. This really impacts your core!

The other thing I really like and that feels great is the downward dog yoga position.

I hope this info provides relief to you like it has to me!