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During the last several years, an exercise program proving to be increasinglypopular is Pilates. Its main focus is on the core postural muscle groups that aidin maintaining the balance of the body. These groups are essential in supportingthe spine.If you happen to opt for Pilates as your exercise regimen, you will discover thatit instructs you in becoming aware of the spine's neutral alignment. It will alsodirect your focus on adding strength to the deep postural muscles that will assistin sustaining this alignment. These muscles are of vital importance in helpingyou to relieve and prevent pain in the back. The Pilates Exercise Program The developer of the Pilates exercise system was Joseph Pilates. This system hadbeen designed in the early 1900’s not only for improvement of his own health butalso that of other World War I soldiers who were hospitalized. Later, Pilatesmade used the resistance of springs in his rehabilitation regimens forhospitalized patients. He then incorporated the use of springs into machines.Now the special equipment Joseph Pilates designed is being used in the Pilatesexercise system. When it first surfaced, the Pilates exercise program was mainly utilized byprofessional dancers. They had an appreciation for the improvement it added tostrength, balance, and flexibility. With the rediscovery of Pilates in the 1980s,it has become a form of exercise that is quite popular. Pilates Machines The resistance of springs is used in Pilates machines to create more effort. Theprimary piece of the Pilates machine is called the Reformer. This is a slidingplatform that is anchored at one end of the frame with springs. You are able tomove the platform either by a push off from the stationary bar or by a pull on theropes. When you do Pilates exercises with the Reformer, they become quitechallenging because you must move the platform but at the same time maintain yourbalance on a surface that moves. This is a true balancing act! The Cadillac is what another Pilates machine is called. It is comprised of aplatform with padding that has a frame similar to a cage above it. Hanging fromthis frame are several bars or straps that are attached by springs.The Wunda Chair is yet another Pilates machine. Its composition is just a bench-like platform that is small with a bar attached by springs. The Pilates exercisescan be done from a standing position on the floor, lying down, or sitting orstanding on the bench and pushing on the bar. You will likely see a number ofdifferent Pilates machines if you go to a studio devoted to Pilates exercise.Mat Exercises Group classes are where mat exercises are normally taught. Strengthening the trunkand hip muscles are the primary focus of mat exercises. This also increases spineand hip flexibility. Compared to Pilates machines, mat exercises have morelimitations.Recently, it appears as though Pilates have merged with other techniques, such aswith the use of the exercise ball or yoga. This gives more creativity while oneintegrates the principles of Pilates into a larger number of mat exercises.There are a range of DVD's on sale at www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which
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