by Stephanie Gellepes

Created on: February 26, 2009   Last Updated: March 07, 2009

Pilates is not about some previously fit woman behind a camera lens who sells you on the benefits of Pilates, while kick-boxing her way into a mean, lean, fat-burning machine. Many have heard testimonies about what Pilates can do for the body. It is far more then a trend. It is a method of exercise, which can help do everything you have seen, heard about, and so much more.

I learned Pialtes in order to over come a serious neck injury and fell in love with it. I began teaching others and provided them the tools to continue on their own. I come with experience when I say: "Pilates is a total body workout that will not only shape the body but will completely transform it." The benefits go way beyond any exercise I have ever incorporated into my life. Learning the proper technique of Pilates while applying the principals correctly will alleviate pain, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, (create a lean elongated structure of the body for overall posture) strengthen, and tone the muscles entirely with out putting stress on joints and ligaments. Try Pilates method three times per week as part of an exercise program, and begin to notice a difference right away.

Joeseph Pilates the founder and creator of the original thirty-four mat exercises used it as rehabilitation treatment for injured dancers. The original name for Pilates was contrology, which used the mind and breath combine in order to control the muscles. Focused attention placed on strengthening the core (abdominal muscles), helped bring original alignment back to the spine, which allowed proper healing to take place.

Pilates mat exercises not only create that lean tone body. It has many health benefits. It significantly reduces stress when oxygen passes through the bloodstream as it cleanses. This happens when breathing takes place, full inhalations filtered through the nose and full exhalation through the mouth releases stale air and contaminated gases from the lungs. Imagine a circulatory type action moving throughout the inside of the body. The mind becomes clear of thought. Mental focus drew toward the body to complete each exercise; helps clear the mind from stressors of a long day. This in itself is huge benefit for anyone who would like to reduce stress in his or her lives.

To give an example, the warm-up called the hundred, works by lying flat on your back arms to the side, legs, and feet facing in the same direction. The pelvis tilts as the small of your back presses into the mat. Slightly press the

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