• People with back problems and poor posture are ideal candidates for Pilates. Moreover, people with sciatica and other lower back problems experience relief from their symptoms with regular Pilates practice. In order to have strong abs, one must have a strong back and regular Pilates practice helps us achieve this by working the abs and back at the same time. Private Pilates sessions are available that provide a specialized workout and modifications for people with back problems.
• People who have desk jobs or cyclists are ideal candidates for Pilates. When you sit at a desk or sit on a bike for an extended amount of time your hip-flexors shorten, your hamstrings get tight, your shoulders slump forward, your chest caves in, and your lumbar spine is sometimes forced into excessive extension creating lower back pain. Pilates exercises can help combat the effects of sitting or biking. In addition, people who practice Pilates and have core strength are more comfortable sitting on a bike or in a chair for an extended amount of time. Private sessions are available to provide a specialized workout focusing on combating the effects of sitting.
• Elite Athletes and athletic people are ideal candidates for Pilates. Everyone needs to stretch as well as strengthen their muscles and develop a strong core, in addition to cardiovascular exercise. Athletes need to improve their range of motion, balance, and flexibility to run faster, swim faster, or cycle faster than their competition. Athletes who practice Pilates have a competitive edge! Private sessions help provide a specialized workout to help strengthen weak areas and stabilizing muscles.
• Women of all ages are ideal candidates for Pilates because Pilates helps improve posture and bone-density (counter-acting the onset of Osteoporosis). Pilates stretches and strengthens muscles such as the hip (which is very important to strengthen because of the high rate of hip fractures older women experience), that many traditional fitness classes don't strengthen. Private sessions are available that provide modifications for women with Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, or Spondiolythesis.
• Pregnant women are also ideal candidates for Pilates because Kegel exercises can be incorporated. Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles which are needed for pushing and delivery. Private sessions are available specifically designed for prenatal women and offer a safe and effective workout during each trimester.
• New moms are also ideal candidates for Pilates because of the effects that pregnancy and motherhood has on the spine, posture, and pelvic floor muscles. After childbirth, women need to rehabilitate their pelvic floor muscles to avoid the onset of stress urinary incontinence, and other complications. Private sessions help postpartum women gently recover from childbirth. Specific modifications are also given for women recovering from a C-section.

Directions to Flourish Pilates ^TM from:
Lake Oswego | Wilsonville | Tualatin/SW Portland | Oregon City

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