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Do you want to get in shape, take care of your body and change your appearance? Pilates is the way to do it. Most people regardless of age or abilities can benefit from Pilates. Pilates strengthens the core of your body which includes the muscles in the back, tummy and rear. Through strengthening the core of the body, you can achieve tremendous physical results, as well as increased mental health.

The muscles in your core affect your entire body, so with each pilates exercise you are working the entire body, not just one muscle group. Because of the nature of pilates exercises, through these work outs you will lengthen and de-compress the spine which increases your stability, and elongates your core muscles giving your body a longer and leaner appearance.

Just in time for spring feel your self confidence boost as you posture improved, your belly firms and your body lengthens. Because Pilates is a low impact workout, anyone can participate. Contact Best Fitness in your are to see how Pilates can benefit you.

So how did the New York Giants prepare for the Super Bowl? Yoga! The Giants have been hitting the mat all season with yoga teacher, Gwen Lawrence.

Gwen has been working with the Giants for eleven years and says, “These are pretty active, high intensity classes. We do a lot of long, deep holds, some vinyasa.... In-season, I come in on Mondays and do post-game restorative work with the players... I can’t just go in there and kick their butts and expect full-body participation.”

The routine changes week-to-week and varies according to position.

“You also have to take into account the different positions... An offensive lineman is obviously different than a receiver – the demands on their bodies are different – but there are basic moves that benefit any position.” Lawrence explains how yoga makes them better football players.

“My philosophy is, strength plus flexibility equals power on the field. Doing these moves not only keeps players less injury prone – because a tight, rigid body is more likely to crack and break – but they also translate into power. Think of it this way. You have a bow and arrow, and the bow string is strong and unbreakable, but if it’s too tight, you can only pull it back an inch and the arrow flops down on the ground. But when the string is flexible, you can pull it far back, and the arrow has more power.” Yoga also helps them mentally.

“We’re working on mental toughness, too. Sometimes you have players with pre-game anxiety, and the breathing techniques they learn in yoga can help them cope.” What's the players’ favorite post-game pose?

Pigeon!

Original article - MindBodyGreen