Why is Pilates good for Internet users and Men in Particular?

It hurts! It hurts like nothing you tried before. You have no idea how much a series of small, innocent looking exercises can hurt a human body used to sitting in front of the computer. But don't give up now! Read all!

Typical Pilates exercise

I used the title on purpose because internet users and man are two groups that could benefit from Pilates the most.

So what is Pilates exactly ? From Wikipedia: "Pilates was developed in early 20th century by a guy called Joseph Pilates. The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso muscles, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain". This is like invented for Internet users, before Internet even existed.

I am fortunate to have a fitness center in my building, and that made it much easier deciding to give it a try. I am sure if it was a few blocks away, that I would have found a reason not to go.

I first tried Yoga, and it was OK, but it didn't shake me up and I felt I needed something extra, more of a body exercise. Sitting too long in front of the computer does all kind of bad things to your body, specially your spine. And radiation from the monitor influences your mood and psychical condition. If you do not start doing something about it now, you will start to fall apart.

My first Pilates training was very hard. Every muscle in my body hurt and I could not finish some of the exercises. I considered my self in a pretty good physical shape (partly because being a trained long distance swimmer). But theory is one thing, real practice a totally different one. Exercises in Pilates are designed to involve every little muscle in your body you weren't even aware existed. After some exercises my legs started shaking wildly and I was almost unable to support the weight of my body :) But it was good. It-was-great!

Now, if you are a guy, you might think that Pilates is only for women. That's what I used to think. But that is totally wrong. Yes, I am still the only guy there, but might I add, there are some very beautiful women exercising Pilates, another stimulant for those of you still needing a nudge to go ;)

Pilates session typically lasts for about an hour and consist of warming up, hard exercises and cool down. It won't take too much of your time, you will have a chance to meet great new people and you will feel much fresher when you come home. So trust me on this, don't be lazy, do something good for you, give it a try and you'll thank me later :)

Easy relaxing exercises

Suggested reading:

• Who has the biggest brain?
• Pilot Training: Day 02 – Every beginning is difficult
• How do they get away with this?