This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Fitness Friday: Engage in Pilates for Life

Five benefits and four mat moves can develop a well-toned body and mind.

Why has Pilates become so popular? It is an exercise in theory that can get you strong, healthy, lean, toned, and flexible.

Many years ago, I incurred a back injury that left me lying flat on the floor in pain. Luckily, several months later, I found my way into a local Pilates studio where my sessions, lessons, and healing began.

Pilates gave me a renewed sense of strength, balance, understanding and hope in my physical body. Having this injury taught me how to become more functionally aware of my body's movement and proper alignment.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Pilates moves are focused on the performance of controlled, repetitive actions meant to re-align and re-educate the body. It is a system where the 'mind-body connection' is always present," said Karina Klein, Certified AFAA Pilates Instructor. "All the movements require you to engage the deeper core muscles by fully exhaling during the flexion part of the exercise."

These five benefits highlight Pilates as an exercise program for life:

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Focuses on whole body strength and proper breathing.
2. Increases strength of stabilizer muscles.
3. Strengthens your core like no other exercise.
4. Prevents you from future injuries.
5. Improves balance and postural alignment.

"The notable benefits of Pilates have been improved posture, balance, and the reduction of aches, pains, and stiffness. It also develops greater flexibility and a longer, leaner and more toned body," she added.

These four basic moves can get you started safely and are designed to help you build familiarity with Pilates mat exercises. Proceed carefully as you would with any new exercise program making sure to breathe fully: inhale-exhale throughout each move. Always listen to your body and stop if something doesn't feel right or you feel pain.

Pilates Warm-up Exercise/Neutral Spine Pilates Position
The neutral spine pilates position might be considered the most basic warm-up exercise there is, yet it also can be one of the most profound. Mainly because it is deeply relaxing and centering. It is also wonderful for stress reduction, and is a perfect way to center yourself before beginning any exercise routine.

Chest Lift
Muscular focus: abdominals--especially upper abs
Tips: This is not a crunch. The abdominals must be pulled way down into a deep scoop as you use them to control a slow, smooth curl up and roll down.

The Hundred
Muscular focus: abdominals, breathing
Tips: Your abdominals will be deeply pulled in, so you will have to use your full lung capacity by breathing into your back and lower ribs. Use your abs to hold yourself up--don't get caught up in your shoulders and neck.

The Roll-Up
Muscular focus: abdominals
Tips: Use your abdominals to roll up and down with control. Do not rely on momentum or letting your legs lift off the mat.

Pilates helped me get back to doing the things I loved and enjoyed in life. Smithtown- it just might be what can help you feel better and stronger, too.

Catherine Dickson is a certified personal trainer and wellness coach in Smithtown.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?