Pilates
Pilates is truly the “hidden gem” of mainstream exercise methods. It is the only method that strengthens, reforms, and heals from within. A perfect example of the strength within that Pilates triggers, is the human body’s pelvic floor muscles. The six major muscle groups people resort to training during a weekly workout regimen are, the chest, back, arms, shoulders, legs, and calves, mostly to gain visible results and an overall healthy persona. So why bother strengthening a muscle group whose results are not perceived by the common eye? The answer is within the question asked.
One reason being, decreased leakage or trips to the bathroom for people during workouts or distance runs and marathons. Yet another reason is, pregnant women are better equipped for labor which also means less stress for the baby. Those are both firm examples of how results from Pilates exercises for the pelvic floor are not outwardly perceived by the common eye, but majorly contribute to one’s overall well-being, strength, and confidence.
But a strong pelvic floor makes all the difference in more than just the longevity of an exercise routine and a woman’s child-bearing, it can improve the sexual function for men and women significantly. In men, it is important for erectile function and ejaculation and in women, voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor contribute to sexual sensation and arousal. Pilates is truly a system of exercise designed to bring the “hidden gem” muscles of the body into work.
Which leads into the fact that a strong pelvic floor will also prevent dehydration. Many people disregard that the human body is made of 60% water, and to keep our bodies healthy our water intake needs to be on average between men and women, about 3.2 liters, daily. If the body is dehydrated there is much less protection for the organs and tissues, and on a more surface level approach, dehydration results in less moisture in the tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth. Healthy water intake also regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and carries nutrients and oxygen to cells and muscles, which all promote mobility and strength. So then it becomes a battle between trying to avoid the hassle of using the restroom at an inconvenient time during a workout, with preparing your body with the proper amount of water it needs to complete the balance of a full body workout at its highest potential. Similar to the concept of how the strength and power comes from within (the body) during Pilates, if the body is dehydrated there is less room for growth and improvement in the healthy life-style humans aspire to have. Pilates solid pelvic floor foundation allows one to gain all the benefits from being fully hydrated and healthy, while not needing to stress about how often flushing out waste products can become.
In conclusion, the importance of a strong pelvic floor is easily overlooked, which is why the Blue Chip Conditioning team strives to educate people in this system of exercise designed to bring the muscles of the body into balance. Pilates is the true “hidden gem” that is missing from the everyday human population’s lives.
