Five years ago, while attending FIT and falling in love with Advertising & Marketing, I found myself with little time to workout and meditate. It was my achy back that brought me to the mat, but the toning effects and relaxing elements that have kept me motivated to return for more. I started my Pilates practice in the kitchen of my pied de terre in the West Village of New York. My daily Pilates routine helped me on my personal journey towards a healthy and happy lifestyle and lead me to a career that I am passionate about. I believe the Pilates Method is a wonderful form of exercise, with endless benefits, for all.  Below are some quick ways I like to describe Joseph H. Pilates’ Method:

-       Joseph H. Pilates designed more than 500 specific exercises using five major pieces of unique apparatus to develop the body uniformly.

-       Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Joseph H. Pilates preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring proper control and form.

-       Because your mind is required to work with your body to perform the movements correctly, you experience a new awareness of muscle function and control.

-       The “powerhouse” – abdomen, lower back, and buttocks – is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely.

Here are three benefits of Pilates for you to remember and hopefully experience for yourself:

1.  Pilates Can Improve the Overal Health of Prenatal Women:

Pilates is safe and effective for women who are about to give birth. It helps pregnant women gain strong trunk muscles to support the increasing weight of the uterus inside the body. Pilates instruction can also be beneficial because it works out the arms, shoulders, and upper-mid back muscles which are required in breast-feeding, as well as carrying the baby after birth.  Since breathing is among the basic principles of Pilates, pregnant women who practice this routine can expect better breathing and less tension during their delivery.

2.  Pilates Improves Body Posture and Strengthens Lean Muscles
Women, we all want to be sexy and alluring, right? Improving one's posture can greatly help in achieving a “sexier” body, and this can be attained through Pilates. Pilates has the ability to improve postural problems within three to four weeks of regular practice.  A lot of women do not wish to gain obvious, bulky muscles when they work out. Large, heavy muscles are not considered as attractive on women as long and lean muscles. For women, Pilates is the ideal exercise for strong and flexible muscles without the bulk.

3.  Pilates Aids Relaxation
Joseph Pilates developed his methods during the early 20th century using the principles of breathing, relaxation, concentration, imagery, body awareness, and mindfulness. Breathing exercises focus the mind and increase concentration while fitness exercises improve body function, stretching, and strengthening muscles. Joseph Pilates’ technique and principles ease stress, enhance fitness, improve balance, and restore the body and mind.
 
*Hayley Schmitz, Director & Owner of Norma Jean Pilates, teaches Pilates in a contemporary/modern format based on the authentic exercises from Joseph Pilates, combined with adaptations learned from her collegiate experience as a Field Hockey athlete. Hayley is certified under Power Pilates, the Volunteer Fitness Assistance at Pierson, and is an Arbonne Wellness Consultant. Visit hayleyschmitz.com for more information.