When you are a curious Pilates beginner, you just have a lot of questions in mind. What is it, really? Can Pilates help me lose weight? What do I get from the workouts?
This article provides you with the definition and history of Pilates, including a simple guide for beginners on how to begin the practice and what movements are best for you.
Pilates Defined
Pilates is a practice and an exercise that centers on utilizing the body and the mind to reach one’s optimal performance. Christiane Northrup, M.D. defines, “It is a body-conditioning program that targets the deep core muscles that support you.” The body’s muscular system is tone, strengthened, and conditioned using a series of motions with the use of one’s own body weight, gravity, and special equipment to serve as resistance. Pilates values the connection between the mind and body, as it trains the mind to keep a continuous level of body awareness. The outcome is an improved technique and better control of movement.
Pilates History
German Joseph Pilates, who was born in 1912, founded the practice while he was growing up. He had experienced several illnesses during his childhood, including rickets, rheumatic fever, and asthma. He continued to work despite these illnesses – as a boxer, a circus performer, and then as a self-defense teacher. Eventually, he began to work with World War soldiers, helping them walk and assisting them with their injuries and disabilities. Perhaps it was these years of experience that made him decide to create a system that would soon become a powerful tool in helping individuals develop strength and recover from weakness. “After the war, Pilates’ techniques become popular in the German dancing community,” Robert A. Schulman MD and co-author wrote.
Benefits of Pilates
Some of the physical and mental benefits of Pilates include:
- Builds muscle tone and strength
- Improves core alignment and stability
- Helps cure injuries in the form of physical therapy
- Facilitates weight loss
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Pilates Disciplines
- Stott Pilates. This modernized type of Pilates was created in 1988. Its method has been further revised by rehab and fitness experts to combine conventional Pilates principles, spinal rehab, and exercise science. Anyone can try the Stott Pilates, even sports professionals, prenatal women, and those who are recovering from injuries. Stott is also a company name that provides training for instructors and sells Pilates gear.
- Body Balance.This is a revolutionized exercise class that can be found mostly in the gyms and fitness centers. It is taught and choreographed by an instructor who mixes yoga, tai chi, and Pilates. The class is active and fun since it also has upbeat background If you would rather dance your worries away, then this is perfect for you.
- Body Control Pilates.This type of Pilates concentrates more on the rehab side of the practice, and osteopaths have been recommending this to their patients in conjunction with other treatments. Thisis indicated for patients with almost any kind of injury. Its eight principles include alignment, relaxation, breathing, coordination, centering, flowing movements, and stamina.
Can Anyone Try Pilates?
“Pilates is a fitness workout that builds flexibility, strength, and endurance without adding muscle mass by focusing primarily on the abdominal, hip, and back muscles, called the body’s “core” muscles,” Chris Iliades, MD said.
Yes, of course. Everyone need to strengthen their core, develop their flexibility, and enhance their mental function. The core muscles – the abs, internal and external obliques, the gluteals, and the back muscles – keep our pelvis and spine in alignment with our lower extremities and the rest of our body. It is important that we do what we must so these muscles function optimally.
Does It Work?
We are all built differently, and the best way to know if the practice works for you is to give it a try. You justhave to arm yourself with the focus, discipline, patience, and the commitment to not give up easily if the results don’t show as early as the others. Again, each one of us is different. Pilates is an exercise, a practice, and a way of life. It is worth trying.