Take Charge Now

Back in September, I spoke to the qualities of a form of exercise new to the Central area—Pilates.  There is still a lot of misunderstanding of what Pilates is and what it can do for you.  I know there were, and still are, many people still in various stages of recovery from The Flood.  But many are starting to resume some normalcy in their lives and that includes taking care of themselves once again. It is important to resume a regular diet that doesn’t consist of eating out every meal, to see your doctor or Physical therapist and a resume a physical fitness program that also speaks to your mental health and not just working out your physical body. If you are still completely stressed out from the flood and all its side effects, Pilates is the avenue for you.  
    Pilates is about fewer, more precise movements, requiring control and technique over increased repetition. Mental and physical health are essential to one another, creating what is a method of total body conditioning. It uses correct alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement to establish a perfect working body from the inside out.
    Pilates builds strength, flexibility and lean muscle tone with an emphasis on lengthening the body and aligning the spine, rather than on bulking and shortening the muscles.
    Pilates has a focus on the core which can basically be thought of as the ‘powerhouse’ of your body. Your core is the area between your shoulders and your pelvis (without your arms and legs) and encompasses all the muscles within this area. 
    Because of its core focus, Pilates is also used in rehabilitation. It can be used to progress individuals through movements that represent their day-to-day activities. The focus on strengthening the core and improving postural awareness are especially well indicated for the alleviation and prevention of back, neck and joint pain.
    Take charge now. Improve your human experience.  Take your ten-minute walk right now and take someone with you. A ten-minute walk will help clear your mind, relieve your stress and help bring your life back into focus.
    And don’t forget to call your Physical Therapist…You’ll be glad you did.
Tom Coplin PT
Central Physical Therapy