As women, we have specific needs that we need to address as we age (YIKES) and after we have children (goodbye core). Our core is the heart of what keeps our bodies strong, our back from taking the heat for all of the child lifting hours or driving carpool or sitting on the floor playing trains and dolls for hours. Without a strong core we are at risk for numerous issues as we age. We have partnered with IMX-Pilates for a series of articles on keeping your core strong as we move through stages of motherhood. If you have never tried Pilates you are in for a workout like you have never had! You will hit muscles you actually didn't even know could hurt. Don't let the slow movements keep you from thinking you are getting a workout, I leave Pilates hurting in places I didn't know could hurt. Pilates can change places on your body (hello booty and legs) that are often the most difficult for women to sculpt.
Clients new to IM=X are invited to take advantage of a FREE Introductory Class (see our schedule here to reserve your spot )OR an Introductory Personal Training Session for only $25 (click here to schedule one now)! The schedule for September is live now, the expanded schedule that will include the new TRX classes begins September 7.
Also, first time Macaroni Kid readers will receive a FREE WEEK of classes following your introductory session when you mention this post!
First up in our series, IM=X-Pilates dispels some common myths about Pilates.
What do Cameron Diaz, Tiger Woods, Madonna, Lebron James and all of the Victoria’s Secret runway models have in common? Okay, a fat wallet is probably true, but so is a staple in their workout regimen, and that is Pilates. As a Pilates instructor, I hear tons of myths and misconceptions about this form of exercise, but today we’re cracking the top three and spilling the secrets of why you need to jump on the Pilates craze ASAP.
Myth # 1: Pilates and yoga are basically the same thing. This is so false. While there definitely are some similarities in movements done in both, the journey and end results are pretty different. Pilates focuses on the following:
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Muscle recruitment (especially deep within the core)
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balance
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flexibility
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strength
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endurance
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muscle tone
Myth # 2: Pilates makes your muscles longer. This is so sort-of true. The muscles can't really lengthen, but the type of muscle contractions used when performing Pilates moves create a eccentric contraction, which strengthens the muscle while it’s being stretched. Not only does this make the move ridiculously hard to do, but it creates a tall, lean, and toned type of strong body. So while it doesn’t technically lengthen your muscles, it builds long lean muscles rather than bulky ones. Pilates does however force you to intentionally lengthen your spine during the entire exercises, strengthening the muscles in your back, waist, and abdominal, creating safe support for your spine (and alleviating back pain in many cases) and creating the appearance of a taller stronger posture. Now we see why the Victoria’s Secret models are all in.
Myth # 3: You have to be young and fit to do Pilates. This is so false! Yes, many professional athletes turn to Pilates to keep their bodies performing at the top of their game, but many other regular people use Pilates to create a workout regimen in their life, create balance within their bodies, alleviate pain, and to just be fit and healthy. The beautiful thing about Pilates is it can work at every level, from the very beginner to extremely fit. All ages can benefit from the movements and it helps to builds self-esteem, discipline, motivation, and strength within the men and women that practice.
So hopefully these secrets revealed the truth behind Pilates enough that you can make an informed decision if this is something for you or not. Is it hard? Yes, it’s hard work and the more you learn to control and recruit your muscles, the harder it gets. People don’t do Pilates because it’s easy, they do it because it changes the way their bodies look and feel, and that my friends, is priceless.
Resistance training on the IM=X Xercizer will increase your muscle mass, which thereby increases your lean body mass. And since your muscles are what gives your body shape and form over your skeleton, building strong, healthy muscles can make you look good, too! Begin now...
https://www.facebook.com/imxpilatesCharlotte/videos/1107771345932963/
Many people begin fitness programs by using weights for the limbs - arms, legs. It is great to have those muscles build but your abs, hips and back are more important than your limbs for overall strength. Begin now...
https://www.facebook.com/imxpilatesCharlotte/videos/1108836765826421/
