Pilates first gained widespread attention in the late 1990s, as celebrities such as Madonna and Uma Thurman showed off their near-perfect bodies, saying it was due to Pilates exercises.
And while no workout can give us a completely new body, fitness experts say that slower, lighter workouts can help our bodies do better by strengthening the core muscles around the spine.
And as the father and inventor of the Pilates method, Joseph Pilates, says: “In 10 sessions you feel better, in 20 sessions you look better, in 30 sessions you have a completely new body.”
Even if at one point there was a decline in the Pilates method, with people focusing more on cardio training, such as spinning or body combat, it seems that during the pandemic many people’s priorities have shifted from intense training to activities that promote a mind-body connection, like Yoga or Pilates.
So Pilates is booming again, which is why the offer on the market is very varied, from small private studios with individual classes and group classes to online classes.
But what exactly is Pilates?
Pilates training can be done either on the floor on a mat or on the machine on the Reformer and includes several strength and flexibility exercises. But Pilates, whether practiced on the floor or on the machine, is unique. First, it encourages students to focus on the breath and develop a mind-body connection. And then because Pilates targets certain muscle groups, the exercises focusing a lot on the abdomen, are thus designed to support, work and correct the spine. Exercises are repeated in slow series that strategically work the muscles without exhausting them.
Benefits of Pilates?
Practicing Pilates has a number of impressive health benefits.
Studies show that Pilates has the ability to improve stability, balance, flexibility, and core body posture.
It can also help improve endurance, reduce chronic pain, and reduce anxiety or depression.
Who is Pilates for?
“Anyone can do Pilates,” whether you’re 25 or 85.
Doctors and physiotherapists often recommend Pilates as a rehabilitation pathway for people recovering from injuries, but it can also help reduce the risk of a variety of muscle and joint injuries.
How often should Pilates be practiced?
Is there too much Pilates? Of course not. If you find that it is something you like and you feel the need to practice it as often as possible, without medical restrictions, then you can practice it five times a week. Experts say that the ideal is at least three times a week, to see the benefits as quickly as possible.
What type of Pilates is right for you?
The recommendation is to start with one-on-one or semi-private training sessions so you can learn the basics and how to connect breathing with effort.
The Pilates method you connect with may depend on your goals and needs. A healthy person without muscle problems can opt for a more intense workout. But if you are recovering from a joint or muscle injury, then it would be preferable to practice a slower workout, based more on balance and flexibility.
For people who want a more cardio workout, for muscle development, then you should consider the Reformer Pilates exercises, which accelerate the classic movements but also the heart rate.
How important is the role of the Pilates instructor to observe progress?
As Pilates has become more popular, more and more people with little training are coming forward as Pilates instructors. That’s why to get the most out of Pilates, it’s important to find someone who listens carefully, understands you, and tells you exactly what you need to achieve your goals.
Therefore before starting any type of Pilates training, try to find a well-trained and qualified instructor who puts the safety of the clients first and not the financial part.
