Pilates Is For Bodybuilders Too

As an all natural bodybuilder , I do a lot of strength training to build and maintain my muscle mass for competition. Over many years of training I begin to experience joint pain. I mentioned this to a friend who is also a pilates instructor and she recommended that I start doing pilates on a regular basis

Pilates is an exercise technique that focuses on core strengthening, balance, and flexibility. These principles are some of the same principles used in the rehabilitation of many common orthopedic problems. Therefore, Pilates is more commonly being used in the prevention and rehabilitation of many orthopedic problems.

So, I started doing pilates once per week and I was amazed at how it helped ease my joint pain and also aided in muscle recovery after a week of heavy lifting. Pilates equipment can be as simple as a mat on the floor or a machine called a pilates reformer.

The pilates reformer looks like a single bed frame with a sliding carriage and adjustable springs to regulate tension and resistance. Cables, bars, straps and pulleys allow exercises to be done from a variety of positions, even standing. The resistance created by the pulley and spring system provided a more challenging strength and endurance workout for me that working out on a mat on the floor.

So, if you are a bodybuilder, power lifter, or someone who primary lifts weights to stay fit I suggest you incorporate a weekly pilates session into your workout regime. I can assure you that after a few sessions you will be amazed at how well you recover from your strenuous strength training workouts.