School of Wellness

Editor@pilatesinsight.com (Harriet Spinzer) — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:14:44 GMT

by Harriet Spinzer
Friday, September 29, 2006

Most students know what Pilates is. This body conditioning exercise has been helping new moms, professional dancers, celebrities, and athletes attain their toned and lithe physiques for decades now. However many don't know that the originators used Pilates for much more then building flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination they used it for concentration as well. And let's face it; every student could use some improvement in that category!

In fact, the foundation of Pilates philosophy states that our physical and mental health are intertwined, and we must improve one in order to improve the other. Because of this, every Pilates class will feature elements of controlled breathing, free flowing exercise, stretching, and precise breathing that all contribute vastly improving concentration.

Most students don't realize that with Pilates they will get a killer six pack, as well as better grades! In fact, the creator of the Pilates method, Joseph H. Pilates, invented the method for himself because he was very ill with asthma as a child, and couldn't participate in activities like other kids his age. The bonus was his improved mental focus.

Most parents would agree that their teenagers may lack a bit of focus and all teens do. However where Pilates really benefits students as opposed to adults is that starting young will improve their young bodies early on, before any real damage is done. For example, a young person who does regular Pilates workouts will benefit in body and mind far earlier then an adult in the following ways:

Increased mental ability - They will be able to concentrate on tasks more efficiently.

Improved short and long term memory That means no more excuses about forgetting that homework!

Improves overall movement - For instance, it will help correct posture and gait by stopping bad habits so they don't cause permanent back, neck, and spinal pain later on.

Improved balance Pilates exercises demand good posture, which will translate into other facets of life such as competitive sports.Better muscle control Pilates is made up of a series of flexibility exercises, which improve muscle tone and circulation, which in turn lowers the risk of deterioration, osteoporosis and even incontinence later in life.Improves overall concentration Through the practice of controlled breathing techniques, mental focus and concentration will increase. Maintain healthy weight Pilates has been shown to drastically improve energy levels, and muscle tone, which means more get-up-and-go for other activities.

About the Author

Harriet Spinzer is a health nut who loves the outdoors. When she is not out camping, she writes for pilatesinsight.com a site that offers information about pilates and Pilates Videos and more.

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