A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Pilates Practice

As the body ages, gravity acts to compress the spine. Since the bones don’t shrink, they must shift out of alignment, bringing a host of problems, pains and limitations into the body, including slipped, bulging and herniated discs, cartilage damage, reduced joint mobility, nerve interruption and even nerve damage. Spinal/joint misalignment can manifest as severe pain, muscle spasms/injuries, nerve pain, headaches/migraines, and joint pain/damage. If nothing is done to counteract gravitational forces, the spine continues to compress, the joints’ misalignments get worse and the central nervous system develops a web of blockages which prevents neurons sent from the brain to control the body’s tissues from reaching their intended destination. This can bring forth secondary negative effects including slowed motility, digestive disorders, fatigue, brain fog, chronic respiratory and sinus infections, and sleep disturbances to name a few. More often than not, individuals will suffer from several symptoms simultaneously, rendering the task of being an effective, productive and efficient worker very challenging. Moreover, quality of life is greatly reduced when pain prevents one from participating in recreational activities once enjoyed (i.e golfing, boating, gardening…).

Pilates is a mind-body workout that helps participants learn about body mechanics as they perform exercises striving for ideal muscular recruitment patterns. It is a core strength training program that wakes up the deep skeletal muscles which usually become completely flaccid when we lose joint mobility. The Pilates exercise program brings about complete muscular balance in both strength and flexibility, ideal joint alignment and mobility, as well as restores the spine’s natural length, curves and overall mobility. It is a versatile method comprising in excess of 500 exercises that challenge participants in every way. Furthermore this exercise method can be used in post-rehabilitation as well as athletic training.

The practice involves only the cost of the lesson but the primary and secondary benefits are tremendous. During the first 10 hours, chronic aches and pains begin to fade as the process of complete neuromuscular re-integration takes off. Those who live with painful conditions of the spine and joints know how uplifting it can be to be pain-free while they learn how to manage and strengthen their bodies. As the spine continues to lengthen and restore, the GI tract functions more efficiently and as motility rises, it results in increased stamina, mental acuity, focus and concentration. Within the first 3-6 months, many Pilates enthusiasts are surprised to find they can return to those recreational activities they once believed were lost to them forever.

The multitude of primary and secondary benefits enjoyed as the Pilates practice restores the body, erasing years of use (and sometimes abuse), are truly astounding considering they can be achieved in as little as 1 hour per week. Fewer sick days, less visits to the doctor, more time spent in enjoyable recreational activities and a reduction in medication intake are but a few of the tangible benefits enjoyed by those who practice Pilates consistently. The intangible benefits however, contribute to overall wellness and a joie de vivre as strength, freedom and agility return to the physical body. We all know this is priceless!