Pilates in the Pines

Pilates is a superior way for adults to stay active and in-shape. It is one of the few forms of exercise that implements both strength and flexibility in equal parts.

The same goes for young people — kids and teens.

 

 

 

Physical and Mental Benefits

Pilates is not only good for children physically, but it can also be very beneficial mentally. For many children competitive sports can be overwhelming and in some cases, even embarrassing. Being a failure on the field can cause a child to resent exercise or activity because they feel like they have very little success in competing with their peers. Pilates, however, is an individual practice where the only measure of success is personal improvement. Pilates allows children to learn to build on their base skills without facing the intimidating concept of letting a team down. When there is no emphasis put on winning, children are free to explore what they are truly capable of without a fear of failure.

Confidence, Focus and Awareness-Building

Children and teams grow in spurts. Their bodies tend to respond quickly to the strength and flexibility requirements of Pilates positions and exercises. This means that they can see their skill set improving, which is rewarding, encouraging, and confidence-building.
Pilates teach children to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. The positions present kids with a kinetic challenge that requires they pay attention to their body and to the purposeful Pilates movement. This helps them learn to channel energy while becoming more aware of their bodies.

Asthmatic Relief

Since Pilates focuses on full, deep breaths, some parents claim it helps asthmatic children improve their breathing. Always get a physician’s approval to proceed with any exercise when a child’s health or your own may be compromised.

Safe Exercise Alternative

For children who don’t participate in organized athletics, Pilates offers a safe, alternative means of exercise. Children can develop strength and flexibility without the heightened risk of contact-injury. After all, hand-eye coordination can be as foreign to some as calculus is to others.

Pilates can also be a highly beneficial cross-training method for child and teen athletes. Many athletes get repetitive-use injuries as they age because their sport requires the same motions over and over again (consider baseball pitchers, for example). These injuries can start from an early age and become problematic if they are not addressed quickly. As Pilates centers around total body mobility, strength and flexibility, it can be the perfect counterpart to repetitive-motion sports like baseball, golf or tennis.

Specialized Programs

The most important aspect of Pilates for children is that it must be geared toward them. If you ask a six-year-old for the attention demanded of an adult in an hour-long Pilates class, the outcome could be frustrating for all involved.

Consult Pilates in the Pines today about our programs and opportunities for your children and teens, and the benefits we can offer to everyone in your family.

Call 720-733-9307 or visit today.