Improve posture with Pilates exercise

Have you ever heard of the type of pilates exercise? Pilates is a type of exercise that is done by making unique movements with the help of a pilates tool. However, behind the activities that seem simple, it turns out that this exercise is very good for improving your posture. Why is that? Come on, see the explanation below.

Get to know the origins of pilates

Pilates was first discovered by a man from Germany, Joseph Pilates. During his childhood, Joseph had many illnesses, such as asthma and rheumatic fever. As he grew up, Joseph became interested in the world the gym so he often exercised and eventually got sick less often. Joseph also concluded that one of the reasons a person experiences illness is lack of exercise.

From there Joseph developed a type of exercise that can balance the health of the mind and body. The sport is called pilates, which is actually a combination of these the gym, martial arts, yoga, and dancing.

Pilates is indeed synonymous with movements that make the muscles of the body work hard. However, even though it is tiring, the muscles in the body will also form faster.

Is it true that Pilates can improve posture?

Posture is certainly very important for the appearance and health of a person's body. The existence of bad posture can make muscles and bones asymmetrical. This then can injure and interfere with the work of vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

Those with scoliosis (an oblique structure of the spine) also have a higher risk of developing osteopenia (a disorder of the bones due to loss of density). They will also experience limitations in their activities, such as being unable to sit or stand for too long to experience back pain.

Well, pilates can actually help reduce the degree of tilt of the spine in people with scoliosis. Not only that, Pilates movements are also able to help control the severity of scoliosis symptoms, including reducing pain due to scoliosis.

In addition, various movements in Pilates can strengthen and increase the mass of the body's muscles. Therefore, it is not surprising that this sport can increase flexibility and endurance, so this sport is perfect for those who work as beautiful dancers or swimmers.

The presence of techniques that can improve posture and maintain body balance while standing also makes Pilates improve balance and help control the movements you make. Pilates techniques also emphasize activity on the muscles in the lumbar spine, which can make the waist and spine more balanced. That way, your posture looks more ideal.

The benefits of improving posture are obtained through various movements in Pilates that require muscle work so that it will build muscle and the movements are carried out repeatedly, starting from the initial stages to the more difficult levels.

Pilates tips for beginners

The purpose of doing pilates is to maintain muscle strength around the spine. In running Pilates, there are several main keys, namely:

Breathe freely until you can feel the enlargement of your lower ribs.
This technique is performed by learning to find a neutral position in the spine by engaging the right muscles.
When you do movements that involve the head and neck, avoid pressing your chin against the neck.

When you start doing pilates, do it in a calm and relaxed atmosphere and condition. Start with the initial stages first. Only when you get used to it, you can increase it to a higher level.

When doing Pilates movements, you should also use the strength of your abdominal muscles, pull your back side up, and tighten your buttocks.

Here are some examples of simple Pilates movements that you can do at home:

Simple leg lifts. This movement is quite simple. Raise and move the bottom of your leg alternately. Do it up to 5 times.
Alternating leg lifts. This is done by lifting your right leg, followed by your left leg, so that both your legs are raised. Then lower your right leg followed by your left leg. Repeat up to five times.
Single leg kick. You can do this while lying on your stomach and your upper body supported by your arms. Then, bend one leg towards your butt. Do it on the other leg alternately. Repeat this movement five times.

What is important to note when doing pilates

Concentrate on every movement you make. Remember, there is nothing in your body that is unimportant.
Take control of your every move. Not only big movements, every small movement you need to be able to control it in order to improve your posture.
Perform each movement slowly and steadily. Don't be too stiff and don't be too fast or too slow in each movement.
When you're done doing pilates, don't forget to cool down. This cooling technique is done by leaning against a wall then opening your legs wide and relaxed. Breathe relaxedly and then bend over for a few moments. After that you will definitely feel calmer and more refreshed.