Poor posture from hunching over a computer or standing too long may cause joint problems, backache and neck pain. That’s where Pilates can help.

“I was an injured dancer and used Pilates to rehabilitate,” said Sarah Wilcoxon, assistant professor of theatre and dance at Missouri State University. “I found that it created a lot of balance in my body and helped not only make me a better dancer, but also a more efficient human.”

What is Pilates?

German native and physical trainer Joseph Pilates created Pilates in the 1920s to aid with healing, particularly for war victims to build core strength and lead healthier lives.

“It’s a movement modality and a lot of it has to do with finding balance in your body and correcting fatigue posture,” said Wilcoxon. “Pilates is different from other kinds of exercises because it’s not really about how many repetitions you do; it’s about how many you can do absolutely correctly.”

Practice the moves

Anyone can do a few simple Pilates exercises to achieve a more balanced posture and prevent injuries. They include:

• Toe taps – strengthens abs and lower back
• Baby swan – strengthens the back extensors and expands chest, abdomen and hip muscles
• Saw – targets the spine, waistline, hamstring and hips

Wilcoxon says people should do a couple Pilates moves daily to connect their bodies and minds. It will help you be more physically aware and more mentally present.

For more information, contact Wilcoxon.