Underground Journal

Pilates Abs

If you’ve been interested in improving your personal health at any point over the last few years, you’ve come across the term ‘Pilates’. You may have skipped over them or passes because you thought they were just another fad exercise system, but the reality is that they have been around much longer than you think and are very effective in strengthening core muscle groups.

Pilates were invented in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, who called his system of exercises ‘Contrology’. The original principle behind Pilates is that using the mind to control the muscles and balance the body will ultimately help strengthen the core and make a person healthier from the inside out. Abs exercises are an extension of the original set of exercises, but they specifically target the muscles of the abdomen.

Any muscle group will strengthen with the slow, precise movements dictated by Pilates. Abs are normally a difficult muscle group to exercise, but with Pilates, the form does the work for you. There is work, for sure, but the exercises are not high impact, so most of the hard work is done on concentration and proper form rather than lifting enormous amounts of weight or doing lots of repetitions. By emphasizing form and control over everything else, Pilates exercises directly benefit your abs, as they are the center of your body core and involved in everything you do physically.

Pilates abs workouts will strengthen your core, but not necessarily flatten your stomach. However, a steady workout regimen coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle will help you achieve the goals you desire. Pilates promotes not only strength, but flexibility in muscle groups like the abs. Since these muscles are central to posture, more flexible abs mean better support for your body with less strain on your back- better posture.

Due to the popularity of Pilates, finding an instructor has never been easier. There is usually a Pilates abs class at any membership gym, which are found in most major cities and surrounding areas. A quick look through the phone book or on the Internet can net you a long list of locally available Pilates classes. Finding the right teacher is a bit more difficult, as it involves finding someone who will work with you to achieve that essential balance so your whole body is working at the same time in harmony with its natural movement characteristics. Attend several different classes on a trial basis to see if one particular instructor seems to work better with you than another. Remember, the devil is in the details, so a good teacher needs to be able to spot what you’re doing wrong and fix the problem before the imbalance causes problems later.

Throughout all the fad diets and exercise crazes of the last couple of decades, the Pilates system has worked steadily and reliably for everyone – including top movie stars and models. Pilates abs exercises help promote whole body health, balance, and control that cannot be achieved any other way. A good teacher is key, so shop carefully, and remember that it isn’t how many reps you do or how much weight you lift that makes you strong, it’s how controlled you are when you do it. Form first, strength follows.

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