Although the Pilates Method and exercise is an activity that involves physical aspects, it is important to note that it is not a cardiovascular workout. With this, you will not have to worry about over exerting yourself. The Pilates Method and exercises were designed and developed as a systematic practice that boosts your bodys core through balancing, stretching, strengthening and breathing. Its no wonder then that the Pilates Method is often recommended in addition to aerobic workouts as well as resistance training.

While other forms of exercise focus on building muscle bulk or cardiovascular stamina, the Pilates Method exercise stresses and highlights the importance of deliberate movement in which both mind and body are fully engaged. As what many Pilates instructors often said, the Pilates Method exercise is a conditioning program that improves muscle control, flexibility, strength and coordination. It upholds principles that seek to increase awareness of the body as a single integrated unit to enhance breathing and alignment, as well as to increase efficiency of movement.

Experts say that by using the Pilates machine, individuals have to go through systematic moves, while holding their torso in place and moving their limbs in different directions. It is these movements that challenge the persons strength, flexibility and balance.

The Method Pilates can also be useful for those people who have chronic tension. One particular reason to support this claim is that the Method, being a strengthening and body conditioning system will help the body release tension. As the body releases tension, it gains more flexibility and truly strengthens. Note that the injury mainly occurs when the muscle has lost its flexibility or suppleness.

The Method Pilates, on its most basic, focuses on working and strengthening the small muscle groups, which are the intrinsic muscles. These small muscles are actually the ones responsible for the core support of the body. Note that most strengthening programs work primarily on the large muscle groups. But, on the Method Pilates, the small muscle groups are strengthened first in order to change the placement of the bones, which are the framework of the body. As these muscles strengthen, the impinged nerves, muscles and bones are released from being crammed together to a freedom in their range of motion. So, they can move freely.

Having said all these, I could say that the Pilates Method and exercise is but a great supplement to any healthy routine.