Pilates for Pre-teens

IDEA Fitness Journal summarized a study in Preventive Medicine about the benefits of pilates for 11 year old girls.  Joe Pilates always wanted his method taught in schools and now research is helping prove that he was right.  The 11 year old girls taking part in this 4 week study regularly attended a pilates mat class 5 times per week.  The result of the study was reduced body weight and indication from the girls that Pilates is a very enjoyable form of exercise.  With childhood obesity clearly on the rise, parents should be aware of how they can get their kids active and keep them acitve.  Staying active, regardless of age, largely depends on participant enjoyment.  Pilates mat classes are so mobile and cost very little because the only tool you really need is a quality mat.  Although the study was very small (only 30 girls taking 1 hour classes 5 times a week), the benefits of Pilates for pre-teens seems substantial.  More research definitely needs to be done in this area.  Contact your local Power Pilates instructor to see if you can get a class going after school for you kids and their classmates.  You may even want to stick around to see what the hundred exercise is all about!  Who said a little mother-daughter exercise class couldn't be any fun?!