Exercise Newbie

Stretching is the deliberate act of lengthening of muscles, in order to increase muscle flexibility and/or joint range of motion (Weerapong et al 189–206). Stretching is a natural activity often performed without thinking by most people and many animals, and can simply be pleasurable. It can be accompanied by yawning. Stretching often occurs right after waking from sleep, after long periods of inactivity, or after exiting confined spaces.

Many athletes stretch deliberately before or after exercise in order to increase performance and reduce injury. Whether this is helpful, has no effect, or even has detrimental effects is in dispute. While common, it may not be beneficial for all athletic activities. (Read More…)

Pilates (pronounced: puh-lah-teez) improves your mental and physical well-being, increases flexibility, and strengthens muscles. Pilates uses controlled movements in the form of mat exercises or equipment to tone and strengthen the body. For decades, it’s been the exercise of choice for dancers and gymnasts (and now Hollywood actors), but it was originally used to rehabilitate bedridden or immobile patients during World War I.
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* Increased muscular strength
* Increased strength of tendons and ligaments
* Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)
* Reduced body fat and increased lean body mass (muscle mass)
* Potentially decreases resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure
* Positive changes in blood cholesterol
* Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
* Improved strength, balance, and functional ability in older adults