Improving your posture with Pilates

This month, I want to focus on an exercise program known as Pilates. Many people come into our office not knowing a lot about chiropractic, but knowing they have to do something about their pain. When they discover that chiropractic is a non-surgical, drugless method of healing, it seems to click with them. The fact that our bodies are self-healing organisms rings true with their fundamental values of how the body should work.When I first learned of Pilates, I found that it fit so well with what I already knew about the body and the relationship of the spine and function of the body. I had to give it a try.Pilates is a system of exercises designed to engage the mind and body, while blending strength and flexibility. It can be used successfully by a beginner or an expert, and can even be performed throughout pregnancy because it focuses on the quality of the movement rather than the speed or number of repetitions.Pilates was developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates. His work drew dancers to his New York City studio because of the long, lean muscles and strong, streamlined body the system delivered. His theories and applications were way ahead of his time. Pilates didn’t become popular until the 1990s, when it fit in with the mind-body fitness movement that began to evolve. Many other people have taken Pilates and made it their own, so much so that the word “Pilates” no longer refers just to the work of Joseph Pilates. The word “Pilates” is now used as a generic term to describe the type of exercise.There are particular pieces of equipment used in some studios for some Pilates exercises, but the most basic exercise program, which is still widely effective, uses a standard floor mat and can be done in the comfort of your own home. It is an ideal form of exercise because it stresses the following:

1. Control and precision: by emphasizing proper form, the system becomes very safe to use
2. Concentration: the awareness of what the body is doing (mind-body connection)
3. Alignment: it emphasizes the position of the head and neck on the spine and pelvis all the way down to the toes (no wonder I am a fan!)
4. Integration of many muscle groups, therefore, working the entire body at the same time

Pilates claims to deliver, among other things, long, lean muscles; build a stronger, supple, healthier body; improve posture and circulation; increase energy and stamina; decrease stress and tension; and increase joint range of motion by building those longer, leaner muscles. Through these positive effects, it can also help to improve sports performance.The exercises are slow and controlled, with major emphasis on breathing, placement of the pelvis, rib cage, shoulder blades, head and neck. Any exercise that takes such care to strengthen and improve the spine is one to examine further for its wonderful benefits.Be sure to check with your health care provider before beginning any new exercise program.Palmer Chiropractic494-1395www.palmer-chiropractic.com