| It has become a craze for a lot of people all over the | | | | Pilates is a physical fitness program developed by |
| world. Mountain climbing is no longer a simple activity | | | | Joseph Pilates based on a method called Contrology. |
| of getting to the top but has become a challenge, or | | | | This method makes use of the mind to control the |
| even an obsession, to most nature trippers, as well as | | | | muscles. According to Pilates, this method is not just |
| to a number of sports enthusiasts. Others do it as an | | | | a collection of exercises but a program developed and |
| engaging diversion from the rigors of daily work and | | | | refined through the years based on the principles of |
| home routines. Those who are obsessed with it are | | | | Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breathing, |
| compelled to master one discipline of mountain climbing | | | | and Flowing Movement. Pilates method focuses on |
| to another. There's just no stopping them in their | | | | the core postural muscles responsible for keeping the |
| pursuit of satisfaction and learning. | | | | body balanced as it provides support for the spine. It |
| However, many mountain climbers are prone to | | | | develops awareness of breath and alignment of the |
| serious injuries. Some even die either due these injuries | | | | spine, strengthening the deep torso muscles, which are |
| or caused by climbing-related and weather-related | | | | very helpful in back pain relief and prevention of back |
| accidents such as avalanches which happen in most | | | | injuries. |
| mountain ranges. These can be avoided by | | | | During the First World War, Joseph Pilates proposed |
| strengthening the muscles as well as being aware | | | | the idea of improving the rehabilitation program of |
| about nature conditions of the place. | | | | soldiers returning from battle. Since it is important |
| As a climber, it is important to develop fitness, strength | | | | that both mental and physical health are in good |
| and flexibility to reduce the risk of low back pain and | | | | condition in order for injured soldiers to rebuild |
| other injuries. it will also help improve your climbing | | | | strength. Joseph Pilates suggested that a good |
| skills. The more you climbed and the higher you get, | | | | exercise program should put emphasis in control and |
| the more prone you are to injuries. The ability to | | | | form based on strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing |
| maintain uniform muscle balance in the forearms, upper | | | | the key muscles. |
| arms, and shoulders prevents overuse injuries. It is | | | | Injuries not only cause pain but can also limit your |
| possible that you will have overly developed back | | | | movement. Treatments may vary depending on the |
| muscles and under-developed rotator cuff muscles | | | | severity of the injury. Medications such as muscle |
| which may cause shoulder injuries. On the other | | | | relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs can somehow |
| hand, over-developed flexors of the forearms and | | | | alleviate pain. It is advised to include bed rest, physical |
| wrist together with under-developed extensor muscles | | | | therapy, or surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet, ideal |
| may result to elbow injuries. To avoid climbing-related | | | | body weight, lifting objects with your legs and using |
| injuries, an effective Pilates cross-training routine is | | | | lower-back support when you sit can help prevent |
| developed to boost abdominals, hips, and back | | | | back injuries. Always consult professional medical |
| strength. This program can also improve flexibility, | | | | providers for advice regarding proper medication and |
| restore over-all muscle balance, strengthening | | | | treatment. |
| non-climbing muscles, and stretching climbing muscles. | | | | |