September 20, 2010

Pilates and cardio


One exciting thing about Pilates is its ongoing development. From the time Joseph Pilates created its today renowned method, we have now different variations of Pilates that make it more interesting to practice.

Cardiolates is a new kind of Pilates developed by Pilates on Fifth in Manhattan (Pilates studio) combines that combines the best of Pilates core strengthening and spine aligning with cardio workout.

March 22, 2010

Pilates fights cancer

 It’s no secret that exercise can help prevent disease. What is new is that certain physical activities, as Pilates, can help prevent and even overcome some types of cancer.  

Practicing relaxed sports help both prevent and cope with cancer as well as keep a good health condition once it’s overcome.  Pilates and yoga teach you how to breathe and relax so as to prevent the stress caused by cancer, the uncertainty of exam results, and the emotional changes it produces.

For women with breast cancer it’s highly recommended the practice of Pilates because it increases flexibility and elasticity of tissues, and prevents patients develop other conditions such as osteoporosis.

Pilates exercises help improve muscle tone that results damaged by certain aggressive cancer treatments. Muscle endurance exercises benefit bone density and have been proven to improve life quality of cancer patients and people with limited mobility.  

When practicing Pilates, cancer patients can use the aid of fitness complements such as fitness balls, medicine balls, rubber bands, and dumbbells.

For men with prostate cancer, experts advice low intensity workout that helps decrease the collateral effects as overweight and depressive mood. Elliptical machines are perfect of this case; they work out legs, arms and the rest of the body with a rhythm close to running but with a minimum acceptable impact.

March 04, 2009

Pilates for sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that produces the inflammation of the sciatic nerve that starts in the lower back and goes down the lower limb, causing a great pain in the lower back pain, the buttock, the legs and the feet.

Sciatica pain is a natural consequence of aging, but it can also occur because of too much strain and incorrect posture.

Although painful, you can cope with sciatica by taking a pain reliever as paracetamol or an aspirin (in case you are pregnant you have to ask your doctor first).

In addition to this, you may take a physical rehabilitation therapy of soft and controlled exercises as Pilates, that helps strengthen your back muscles and joints, which results is less sciatica pain.

Another great benefit you can get from Pilates for sciatica problems is that it teaches you how to correct your bad posture. With Pilates you will finally be able to have and keep a correct spine alignment and prevent the vertebrae disorders that affect the sciatic nerve.

March 03, 2009

Pilates for diabetes

If you suffer from diabetes you know that you are particularly prone to injuries, which leaves you thinking: can I practice any physical activity at all?

Yes, you can. Pilates method is one great option for those who can not practice sports or physical activities that may hurt them as diabetic people.

Pilates is a low impact anaerobic exercise that allows your body burn fat and carbohydrates (before they turn into glucose) much faster, which increases your organism’s sensitivity towards insulin. This way, with Pilates can help control overweight and decrease blood glucose levels, the main problems of diabetes mellitus.

Besides this, since Pilates focuses on making you feel totally relaxed, your tension hormone levels go all the way down leading to lower blood glucose levels.

And, Pilates workout also helps reduce heart disease, one of the most serious conditions related to diabetes, decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the good cholesterol (HDL), improves arterial circulation, strengthens bones and reduces the risk of falls.

December 04, 2008

Pilates apparel: Pilates-Yoga socks

While practicing Pilates and yoga or similar physical activities it is always there a latent risk of slipping, tripping over, falling and getting a serious injury that would stop you for days and even weeks.

Trainers can do well, however they are not comfortable enough for Pilates machine workout and for the subtle movements of yoga (the squeaking sound of sliding trainers on polished floor is just non-inspirational).

And going barefoot? It can be slippery too and not very pleasing when in summer time as well.

The right Pilates footwear are Pilates-Yoga socks, their non-slip sole help you get balance and control on your hardwood, mat and machine workout.

These five-toed sports socks have a fitted heel and arch support strip and seamless design that ensure a snug fit for you to feel secure when performing any kind of movement. The five toes allow you to work our every toe.

They are made of natural cotton that reduces moisture and stress between the toes. And yes, they are intended to be use without shoes.

Share this post