Strengthening your core (the muscles from your hips to your shoulders) is like giving yourself a full-body makeover: You'll feel smarter, younger, and better all over. Mark Verstegen, author of Core Performance (Rodale 2004), makes the case for a hard core workout.
1. It Reduces And Prevents Pain
"A strong core stabilizes you and works like a natural brace for your joints."
2. It Makes You Look Taller and Thinner 
"When you strengthen your upper back and shoulders, the muscles are pulled back and down, removing any trace of a hunch."
3. It Delays the Aging Process
"A strong core keeps your body aligned, so that you can function properly."
4. It Improves Mental Function
"Having a stable and aligned spine allows your brain to receive your body's messages more efficiently."
5. It Improves Performance
"Stabilizing your core hones your fine motor skills, so you can react quickly and stay balanced on unstable surfaces."
References: Women’s Health.
*Melissa’s note: Pilates not only strengthens your core but it also gives you total body awareness, a longer, leaner and stronger body with less pain and more power!
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates designed to strengthen and lengthen muscles, increase flexibility, strengthen the core, prevent injury, improve posture, balance and overall health. A typical Pilates class involves exercises for every part of the body and is performed on a mat or on specially designed equipment.
Mat Pilates and Pilates Reformer
A Pilates Mat class involves performing each exercise on a mat with or without props using one’s own body weight for resistance and strength. Pilates Reformer is basically like a traditional mat class using most of the same exercises except one is performing these exercises on an apparatus. The springs and straps on the Reformer allow one to use resistance in order to connect the proper muscles to the exercise being performed. Participating in both Mat and Reformer classes will greatly increase one’s body awareness, flexibility, and posture and core strength. One will see a great difference in their Mat class if they regularly participate in a Reformer session.
Private Pilates Training
During a private session with a Pilates Trainer, your needs are thoroughly assessed and met. Each workout will be specific to your goals and ability in order to obtain the best results possible.Group Pilates Training
Working in a semi-private or group class is a cost effective way to get the results that you want. PURE Pilates has an intimate setting with only four Reformers, therefore you can be assured that you will still get the individual attention you need within a small group setting.
