The health benefit of Pilates have become and is still becoming recognized all around the world, particularly in North America. Pilates has become the savior for many suffering from back pain. What makes Pilates so good for the back? Well, it strengthens and restores any damaged muscle or soft tissue through the slow, balanced movements of each exercise.

Actually, the focus upon postural muscles in each Pilates individual exercise movement helps to maintain balance that is essential to providing spinal support. Each exercise places emphasis on neutral alignment of the spine - restoring the strength of the deep postural muscles that assist in maintaining the alignment of the back. This balance helps to prevent but also stop any back pain an individual may be suffering from.

The slow, structured movements developed by founder Joseph Pilates has proven its success over the years making this system world renowned. Joseph Pilates not only developed exercises that could be performed on a simple mat, but he also developed a rehabilitation program using springs in machines to create equipment that uses resistance, strength and slow movements to rehabilitate and strengthen the muscles of those who came to him for assistance in restoring their physical health. His emphasis on breathing, mental focus and slow flowing movements with and without the use of his machines have been a pivotal point in restoring the spine and back of many individuals who followed his unique exercise program.

How Pilates Mat Exercises Help the Spine:

The focus of the Pilates mat exercises is to improve the strength of the muscles in the trunk, abs and hips. The balanced movement of resistance helps improve flexibility especially in the spine and hips - which are common areas that become injured with age. By restoring strength and agility to these areas, the body is more able to stay strong and avoid injury.

Pilates Equipment: Advantages for Optimal Health:

The most popular pieces of equipment commonly used in many Pilates classes are the Wunda Chair, the Reformer and the Cadillac. If you've never heard of these pieces of equipment, let me explain:

The Wunda Chair is basically a small bench-like platform consisting of a bar attached with springs. Exercises are performed by pushing on the bar while you are either standing or sitting on the bench. This creates resistance that is essential to improving muscle strength. Another popular piece of Pilates equipment is the Reformer which consists of a sliding platform that has springs attached to one end of the frame. The platform is moved by either pulling on ropes or pushing off from the stationary bar - once again creating resistance and balance. The slow movement of each exercise motion blends effort, resistance, flexibility and strength in an exercise motion that emphasizes balance, which is essential to healthy spine alignment.

And the last piece of Pilates equipment known as the Cadillac consists of a padded platform which consists of a cage-like frame above it leading to various bars and straps that are attached by springs. You attach these straps to the hands and feet to perform exercise motions that target the hips, back and abdominal areas. These movements and the equipment are arranged so strategically so that one can restore and improve balance and strength of the back as well as the rest of the body.