Pilates makes P90X Easier

I knew it but this week proved it. Pilates is the athlete's secret weapon.  After making it through Week one of P90X, I have no soreness and more strength. I use the breathing I teach my clients and it really fuels hardworking muscles. At my age, 56, I ought to have bailed out on day two but the extra layer of strength I already had in my small muscle groups powerfully supported me. I feel like a winner. I am so up to this 90 day challenge. I have taught that athletes who take Pilates have an edge over those who don't. They are stronger and much less prone to injury. I'll add that the exercises in P90X can be very hard on the back. Because Pilates strengthens the accessory muscles of the spine on all three planes of movement, I was able to support my spine in a healthy way. A couple of the exercises were too detrimental to  my back so I modified them to take the pressure off my spine. Yoga has captured the national attention but it simply cannot conmpare to the benefits of Pilates. Pilates is intelligent exercise.

T-Tapp and more...

Yesterday, I went to Pinterest to see what they  knew. While perusing another pinner's fitness board, I discovered a fitness regimen called T-Tapp. I'm calling it "Pilates on steroids". This method uses the same principles as Pilates but combines them in a very concentrated way.  Go to You Tube and type "T-Tapp" in the search box. It's fascinating.

If you get to her You tube channel, you will be amazed at all T-Tapp does. Youi might as well know that Pilates does all of the same things. I'm thrilled that her list of benefits is even more comprehensive than mine.

I teach at churches so the dress code does require sleeves. If you add a little fitness skirt to this, you'll have a great outfit for working out. That is, if you feel comfortable in skimming clothes. Tighter clothes help you tosee your abs as you work out. Plus, you just look so pretty. If this isn't your style then wearing an oversized t-shirt with leggings is swell, too.

 

Be sure to get a light and healthy breakfast before you workout.  Maybe your breakfast situation isn't as lush as this but you breakfast can be just as lovely as this one.  Need an idea for breakfast? Check out my inspiratonal and lifestyle blog http://suzuspetals2.blogspot.com/ .  For loads of clean eating recipes check out Tosca Reno's Clean Eating wesite http://www.eatcleandietcom./. 

Always take your own sunshine with you wherever you go!

Can Pilates Increase My Height?

Yes, this totally true if you suffer from poor posture, back pain, or any spinal condition that causes you to bend over when you could be standing straighter.  There is a lot of talk about calcium deficiency and bone loss but those things tell only half of the story. Weakened muscles that line and support the spine can be strengthened to hold up fragile spinal bones. Of course, strong core muscles are critical as well. As we age, muscles loosen and adapt to our changing bone structure. What if you could cause your bone structure to improve by empowering your muscles? My height has increased. I had lost a half an inch or more and now that I have increased my accessory muscle strength, I stand tall again. Even young people sometimes lose their height to slouching for various reasons. It is cruel to tell someone to stand straight when they don't have the strength to sustain their posture. But with committed Pilates practice, you can regain lost height. One more perk to standing tall: it increases confidence. How we hold our bodies affects our mindset, either postively or negatively.