Blast belly fat the tried and true way
You’ve seen the ads about getting six-pack abs by dancing to the oldies or drinking herbal potions. “Maybe these methods work, maybe they don’t,” says Heather Weiler, group exercise instructor at the William G. Rohrer Center for HealthFitness.
“One way you can definitely achieve washboard abs is with Pilates.” says Weiler. Pilates is an exercise system developed in the early twentieth century by Joseph Pilates. It is a method proven to tone the core, or deep abdominal muscles, and it’s worked for more than 75 years.
The core principle
Working your core is important for health reasons as well as for wearing form-fitting tee-shirts. Flabby abs mean weak abdominal muscles. This can lead to back pain, poor balance and instability. Strengthening them improves coordination and balance, and provides strength and endurance to work out the rest of your body.
The Pilates exercise system is a series of highly controlled, precision movements performed in a sitting or reclining position on a padded mat placed on the floor.
Joseph Pilates also developed exercise apparatus including the Pilates Reformer – a sliding platform, complete with springs and pulleys – as an extension to the mat work. Blast belly fat the tried and true way Weiler says: “By breathing through every motion and placing your spine and pelvis in correct alignment, your movements are
controlled, powerful, and effective.”
Exercise enthusiasts can expect a complete abdominal workout using the Pilates Reformer. The Rohrer Center offers several classes – from beginning to expert level – in a small group setting to ensure maximum workout form and safety.