Pilates helps with functional movement patterns

Functional movement.

It's kind of a buzz word these days, especially in my social media feed.

So, what is functional movement, and how does it relate to Pilates.

Let me ask you: What movements are important to you right now?

For example—Do you love to hike or go for a jog? Do you have to walk up a few flights of stairs to get into your apartment, or just a few steps to get into your home? Does your job require you to lift heavy objects, or be at a desk all day?

Do you ever think about what muscles are used to do those movements, or have they become a habit, that you don't think about at all.

As we age, we lose balance, bone density, flexibility, muscle mass, and inflammation and pain set in to make things even more uncomfortable. The movement patterns we think we are good at change. Walking is a good example of this. Watch a grandmother walk with her granddaughter—perhaps one is picking up their feet with vigor, while the other does more of a shuffle. Those are two very different movement patterns, but essentially they do the same thing. However, how that movement pattern is effecting the whole body is likely very different from the other.

Enter functional movement and Pilates.

Pilates exercises are going to help you focus on the integrity of your whole body, not just the moving parts.

For example, when you lift a heavy object with your arms, what else is it effecting? Your legs, knees, lower back, or neck. Now dig a little deeper: what should be effected so you are lifting safely?

Through the use of spring driven machines and floor exercises, Pilates strengthens your abdomen, back, pelvis, glutes and legs; and I also believe your arms. Pilates uses low-impact exercises to help you gain flexibility, improve posture, decrease pain, increase strength and create an overall stronger sense of well-being.

Again, Pilates is taking a look at the whole body to help you improve your movement patterns. Adding a Pilates class to your workout schedule can help you age better and keep you enjoying those movements that help you stay pain free.

Interested? I have openings. Book now.

Want to learn more?

I'd love to hear from you! You are always welcome to text/call me at 307.363.0124 or email fjpilates@gmail.com to learn more about taking a Pilates class with me. I look forward to seeing you on the mat!

Pilates sessions are designed for all fitness levels and sizes at Felicia Jane Pilates and take place at 320 S. Gillette Avenue, Space 2B in Gillette, Wyoming.