Pilates Workouts for a Healthy Spine

Pilates Workouts
Pilates can be as simple as a 20-minute workout in your home on a mat with the purpose of maintaining a healthy spine or it can be a demanding hour-long session on several pieces of equipment in a studio with the purpose of conditioning an athlete or performer. The flexibility and adaptability of Pilates, applied by a knowledgeable instructor, makes it a form of exercise appropriate for just about everyone. A sampling of the different Pilates movements are shown below.

Leg Pull Front

Seek Quality Instruction
As a consumer you should be aware of the quality of instruction you are receiving, especially if you have a spine injury or concern. Pilates comes in many forms today. There are infomercials on TV selling videos, classes at your local gym, specialized studios with certified instructors, and healthcare professionals who specialize in Pilates as therapeutic exercise.

I highly recommend everyone take at least 4-10 individual sessions with a certified instructor before attending a group class or practicing individually. This will ensure you are doing the exercises correctly and safely. If you do have special health or spine concerns, seek a healthcare instructor who has a full understanding of your condition so he or she can guide you appropriately through the exercises and create a customized routine for you. As always, consult your physician first before initiating a new exercise program.

Pilates Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle
We all know the merits of regular aerobic exercise to keep our heart and lungs in good shape. Pilates is the equivalent form of exercise for spine health. The focus on flexibility, strength, balance, endurance, and coordination throughout the spine and whole body makes Pilates a form of exercise that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle throughout a lifetime.