 |
Standing Pilates is an adapted form of regular Pilates mat exercises that are transcended to the upright, mobile position. This form of Pilates provides you will a direct relationship between the mat... |
Standing Pilates is an adapted form of regular Pilates mat exercises that are transcended to the upright, mobile position. This form of Pilates provides you will a direct relationship between the mat exercises of traditional Pilates and movements you do in every day life. Many proponents believe that standing Pilates is an improvement and brings this conceptual exercise to more people simply because it is functional and more approachable.
The Benefits You Reap from Standing Pilates
If you want a challenge, then standing Pilates is the right exercise for you. It is more challenging to maintain your balance standing as you shift your weight as well as placement of your body in various positions. Standing Pilates helps you reshuffle your thought processes to re-link the communication of the body and mind together for better efficiency of movement and alignment of the spine and body. Re-learning movements based on the Pilates method provides benefits in your everyday life such as easier task accomplishment by maintaining a neutrally positioned spine when walking or performing a physical task.
The pelvic floor muscles within the core of your body (the trunk) are vital to sustaining balance. Most everyone can benefit from standing Pilates because their pelvic muscles are not as strong as they think and is the reason why posture and coordination suffers. People who experience incontinence or have gone through childbirth have issues with building strength in the pelvic floor region. Standing Pilates however, can counteract the weakness by teaching better balance and strength. Senior citizens and people with motor coordination diseases or issues can also benefit as well because of standing Pilates’ goals of building strength, flexibility, agility and balance.
People with osteoporosis may also benefit from standing Pilates. Because many of the moves are weight bearing, such as standing on one leg, this creates a challenge for that leg as well as the hip and pelvic area. The more weight you bear, the more your bones are likely to build strength. Some people who have trouble getting up and down from the floor such as seniors may use standing Pilates to build up strength and ability in order to be able to progress to mat exercises. Of course, some people believe the mat exercises are an excellent foundation for the standing Pilates. It is all in the way you look at it!
Standing Pilates is a specific way of exercising, so you should find an instructor who is certified or trained in that particular method. If there is no one in your immediate area that knows standing Pilates specifically, you might have to resort to DVD or internet instruction. There are many instructors and DVDs and books that can help you adapt the mat exercises that you already know into a standing Pilates workout. Some of the workouts use what items you might have on hand such as an exercise ball or even a hard surface like a wall. Consider adapting your Pilates routine and trying something different. Standing Pilates can only enhance your exercise experience.