As a trainer to celebrities such as Missy Elliott and Sean "Diddy" Combs , Mark Jenkins has helped many of them reshape their bodies. One exercise system Mark Jenkins uses as a trainer is Pilates.
This popular fitness regimen was developed by Joseph Pilates during World War I. While tending to wounded British soldiers, Pilates attached springs to the beds. Exercising against these springs improved the soldiers' muscle tone. This was the origin of the reformer, a sliding-platform device used in Pilates classes.
The technique focuses on precise movements, breathing, and proper posture to elongate the body rather than shorten it and bulk it up.
A Pilates workout strengthens the body’s core - the back, pelvic, and abdominal muscles, resulting in increased energy. The program builds stamina, flexibility, and control, with the added benefit of reducing back pain.
Although it has a reputation as a tool for dancers and athletes only, Pilates can promote mental and physical fitness for everyone. While classes generally use the reformer, many Pilates exercises require only a mat.
As with any fitness method, persons who have not exercised in a long time or are elderly or pregnant should first consult a doctor. It may not be suitable for those with a history of blood clots, unstable blood pressure, a herniated disk, or severe osteoporosis. Beginners should always train with a Pilates instructor.
