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Cross Train With Pilates

There are several great reasons to add Pilates to your cross training routine. A few:

Pilates exercises are oriented toward FUNCTIONAL FITNESS, meaning that Pilates teaches you to move more efficiently in general, thereby enhancing performance and reducing risk of injury in other activities.

Cross training adds sustaining VARIETY to your workout routine. Cross training that combines strength training with cardio is the best way to get in TIP TOP SHAPE.

The Pilates method is founded on core strength. Pilates mat and equipment exercises strengthen not just the outer muscles of the torso, but also the deep inner stabilizing muscles of the pelvis, abdomen, and back- the core muscles. Core strength supports the back and neck, giving us healthy posture and freeing the joints to allow a natural flexibility of the limbs. This kind of strength and flexibility training translates well into all kinds cross training activities.

Pilates develops long, lean muscles. Pilates resistance training is enough to give you functional power, help build bone, and burn more calories (because muscle is a calorie burner) AND will help you perform your weight training routine with better alignment, greater range of motion, and integrative focus.

By practicing Pilates, you’ll improve the quality of your fitness, reduce your risk for overuse injuries and improve all of your fitness endeavors. Pilates cross trains well with anything. But because of the extra health benefits of cardio training such as strengthening the heart and lungs, stress reduction, and increased energy levels, we suggest cross training Pilates with cardio exercises. This is especially true if you are interested in weight loss.

Cross training is really just combining exercise types. For beginners, cardio and strength training are best done on different days. That way you won’t wear out and your muscles get a chance to rest and repair, which is how you build strength and endurance. It is also a good idea to alternate the exercise intensity levels in your weekly routine. An every-other-day cardio then strength program with alternating heavy and light workouts is a good choice as people often underestimate the exertion level of Pilates and often find it too much to do a full Pilates class and cardio on the same day. As you begin cross training, stick with alternate days or do a very light Pilates workout on a cardio day.

We are here to help you map out or maintain your cross training goals. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and see how Pilates can help improve your cross training routine.

Photo: FitnessOrlando

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Pilates for the Body and Brain

“Contrology is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your mental and subconscious activities.” (Pilates 1945)

Above is a direct quote from Joseph Pilates explaining what he expected from the method that was later named after him, Pilates. Everyone agrees that we grow concerned about our physical limitations as the body ages. With age and decreased activity our neuromuscular connectivity becomes altered. By neuromuscular connectivity, we mean the brain to muscle connection which helps us coordinate movement and function. We develop altered and ineffective movement patterns, which often lead to pain and dysfunction. Pilates is a method of training that, through it’s focus on postural stability and alignment, can stimulate and re-program our system to improve quality of movement.

By connecting the brain to the body as we move it, conscious movement gradually becomes automatic or subconscious. This is sometimes referred to as motor learning. For example, a slumped posture might feel normal due to the years and years of poor sitting habits. As we initially correct the slump by bringing an awareness to it, it feels awkward and requires repeated reminders. Over time however, the brain inputs the sit and stand TALL reminders into the body as a constant, and the body realizes the change. The culmination of this process results in the slumped posture beginning to feel abnormal, and the sit and stand TALL posture normal. It becomes no longer a conscious effort but a subconscious one, much like blinking the eye.

In a typical hour long Pilates session clients are continuously directed to focus and connect the brain to the body. The result of increased conscious and subconscious brain work facilitates a natural shift towards the desired effect. At Baudry Therapy Center, we use a holistic approach to wellness, including comprehensive Pilates methods to improve form and function for active movement.

By Kathy Koehl

Pilates Instructor at Baudry Therapy Center

strength, balance, motion…for fitness, for life

Tag: Pilates

Cross Train With Pilates

Pilates for the Body and Brain

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