Pilates was first developed by a German born boxer and gymnast named Joseph Pilates. He first named his method of exercise Contrology since he believed that his method of exercising used one's mind to control the muscles of the body. The main focus of this program is on the core postural muscles. They not only help to keep the body balanced, but they also help to provide support for the spine. A person has to be aware of breath and the alignment of the spine as he or she works through the Pilates exercises. An emphasis is also put on strengthening the deep torso muscles. This is important to help in alleviating and preventing back pain.

Joseph Pilates first formed his method of exercising during World War I in an effort to improve the rehabilitation program that was expected to be needed by many of the returning veterans. Pilates believed that mental and physical health are essential to one another. His precise movements emphasized form as well as control to help the injured soldiers regain their health by strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing key muscles. "The Pilates Principles" were created by Joseph Pilates to help condition the whole body, which includes proper alignment, precision, centering, breathing, concentration, flowing movement, and control.

Many famous male professional athletes such as Jason Kidd, Tiger Woods, Ruben Brown, and Curt Schilling have all added Pilates to their training programs. They want to enhance their coordination, strength, and flexibility by developing these core muscles areas.

Most men who frequently exercise are strong, yet their muscles remain incredibly tense. Due to this reason, they more than likely find it hard to do a strength and reach test. This is due to the fact that the male hamstrings tend to be inflexible and tight. The answer is Pilates; it sculpts the body from the outside thus making tight areas more agile. These exercises also improve and make many functional activities much easier on your joints and muscles.

Pilates trains seven major physical performance factors. These include posture, stability, coordination, functional strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. Although strength training is of the utmost importance, it is just as important to stretch the muscles in order to build longer muscles that are more agile.

For men who are over the age of 50, prostate cancer is a very common disease. It is believed that the deterioration of the pelvic floor muscles is a major factor in acquiring this disease. By practicing Pilates, the muscles are effectively strengthened. As a result, the risk of getting prostate cancer is lessened. Pilates will also enhance sexual function. Therefore, sexual dysfunction may be decreased when the male practices Pilates.

Pilates does not contain a lot of repetitious exercises that bore you to tears! You only have to repeat a few postures properly before you go on to the next movement. If you want to turn Pilates into a resistance-training workout, then Pilates classes for men may concentrate on building muscle tissues and preventing injuries. To do this, more resistance props may be added to the Pilates program. Pilates for the male sector of the population focuses on a well-balanced aesthetic. This is where Pilates for women differs. Females desire a lean, sculpted body. Any man can practice Pilates with the intention of gaining explosive strength, widening their range of motion as well as flexibility and building stamina and boost energy levels.

So, men, do not think you are wimps by practicing Pilates. You may find out that it will do you a mountain of good!

There are a range of DVD's on sale at www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist.

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