Thursday, November 22, 2012

Fitness foreplay

Looking to bust that stress or simply want to try out something refreshing, sign up for a Pilates routine, or take refuge in a spa and rejuvenate yourself with the experience

Pilates anyone?


Founded by one Joseph H. Pilates, Pilates (Pi-lah-teez) is catching up in India. It revolves around a series of controlled movements on a mat (or a machine) focusing on the torso, toning the body by building up flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding bulk to the muscles. Pilates helps improving posture, makes one less prone to injury and results in overall good health.

Pilates is the ‘In-thing’ and classes are springing up everywhere. Growing popularity and the big names attached with it, just makes this pleasurable exercise routine even more interesting. Says model and actress Gul Panag, “Choc-a-block shooting schedules and erratic working hours stress me, so it’s important to take time off to rejuvenate my body. I follow Pilates thrice a week on the desired areas which give me visible results.”

There are many fitness centres and YMCA’s which offer Pilates classes but most are focused on mat exercises. Unlike Yoga, Pilates is movement based and requires deep abdominal engagement to support the spine and create core-centred movement. Pilates is very good for pregnant ladies too as it improves blood circulation, balance and strength. “Pilates is for everyone. I am a complete workaholic and the stress grows on me. To help bust the stress caused at work and allow fresh creative energies pumping back into my system, I indulge in Pilates,” says fashion designer Urvashi Kaur. Instruction DVDs on Pilates can be recommended for beginners but for advanced training nothing beats the supervision of an advanced trainer. A relatively new concept in India, Pilates is here to stay.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.

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