Benefits of Pilates
The Practice of Pilates
Pilates focuses on core strength, posture, flexibility and balance. It also helps undo some of the effects of gravity (and working at a computer) by focusing on lengthening and strengthening the body.
Pilates Exercise builds strength without bulk and improves flexibility and agility, which helps prevent injury to the muscles and body.
Chiropractors and Physical Therapists have been using Pilates for rehabilitation since WWII. It was later adopted by dancers and athletes to help them enhance every portion of their body. Now millions of people are embracing Pilates no matter what their age or physical conditions.
Pilates is an effective workout for everyone! Keep reading for more information on how Pilates can help you.
Health Benefits of Pilates
Live with more Vitality!
- Improve posture
- Increase flexibility
- Lower back pain relief
- Increase core strength
- Develop longer and leaner muscles
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve overall sports performance
- Customizable for all levels of athletic training
- Excellent form of rehabilitation and/or exercise
Pilates for Back Pain Relief
Most Effective for Lower Back Pain Relief
Pilates can provide exceptional relief for lower back pain that results from injury or muscle atrophy.
Pilates exercises for back pain will increase safe range of motion and alignment which helps correct weaknesses and imbalances while strengthening the lumbar spine, abdominals, hips, and pelvic floor.
We can help you prevent spinal misalignment, poor posture, and unnecessary pain and injuries to the lower back.
Pilates for Injury Rehabilitation
Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle!
Pilates workouts done consistently with proper form can rehab injuries throughout the body and help prevent future injuries. Whatever your age, level of fitness, or type of injury, Pilates can help you; your workout can be tailored to your needs!
Rehabilitation Specialties Include:
- Spinal issues such as disk bulges & herniation
- Chronic neck pain & stiffness
- Shoulder injuries, scar tissue, bursitis & weakness
- Knee pain & weakness, torn meniscus or arthritis
- Foot/ankle injuries & weakness
Pilates for Seniors
Pilates is Ageless!
At West LA Pilates we aim to make everyone, regardless of age or abilities, feel better. Pilates workouts are a great way to ease back into movement and exercise. You will increase your flexibility, improve your posture, and add more strength and vitality into your life.
We have clients in their 80's, and they are strong, vibrant, and healthy. It is NEVER too late to start. Your instructor will help design a program specifically for you.
Pilates for Pregnancy
Pre & Post Natal Exercises
Pilates is a great way to stay in shape and connected to your body throughout changes in your pregnancy.
Maintaining a healthy upright posture and building overall core strength is important throughout your pregnancy. Pilates is a safe form of exercise for keeping your upper back and hips strong and supple during the development of your pregnancy. It is particularly good at strengthening the pelvic floor to aid in comfort while carrying as well as helping with endurance during labor.
Pilates can be especially beneficial after delivery when you find yourself carrying your newborn, diaper bags, car seats, etc.
Pilates benefits for mothers:
PRE-NATAL:
- Develop proper toning & conditioning to get into "birth shape"
- Facilitate an easier & shorter labor
- Reduce stress & release anxiety
- Decrease low back, mid-back & neck pain
POST-NATAL:
- Shorten birth recovery time
- Prevent chronic musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Combat muscle atrophy & imbalances resulting from pregnancy ensuring lower back pain relief
Pilates Training for Athletes
Workout with Proper Form to Improve Functional Movement Mechanics
Pilates training for athletes has been a growing phenomenon over the last 70 years. It is one of the safest methods of conditioning a serious athlete can participate in. With Pilates, athletes can run faster, hit harder and jump higher, all with better form to reduce the risk of injury. In conjunction with our Sports Chiropractor, Dr. Wilson Park, we have developed unique exercises for athlete's individual needs.
Potential improvements from Pilates workouts include:
- Core muscle development
- Improve runners' speed & endurance
- Enhance hand-eye coordination for agility sports
- Increase balance for dancers & martial artists
- Pain relief & decreased recovery time from injuries to the back, shoulder & neck area
- Reduce muscular imbalances such as underdeveloped inner thigh muscles & overdeveloped outer thigh muscles
Pilates emphasizes breathing and helps to integrate the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle. Using correct spinal and pelvic alignment, combined with smooth flowing movement, an athlete can access each part of the body individually thus becoming familiar with the functional mechanics.
Contact Dr. Park for personalized information on how Pilates training can help you in your sport. Click here to find out more or call (310) 869-0536 today!
Foam Roller Exercises
Enhance your Home Pilates Workout
At West LA Pilates, we teach you the best techniques and forms to maximize the benefits of using the foam roller.
What is a Foam Roller? It is a large foam cylinder, usually 4 feet in length, that can be used to stretch, train, and rehab your body into shape. Overall body and back strengthening exercises with a foam roller are easy and safe but very effective.
The Benefits of the Foam Roller:
- Inexpensive, lightweight and easy to use in Pilates training
- Stretch the primary muscle groups
- Improve coordination, balance, and proprioception (nerve to muscle communication)
- Increase core strength
- Strengthen & tone many different areas of the body
- Massages & breaks up unwanted scar tissue & muscle tightness
For your own home training, we offer foam rollers for sale for $30.00 each.