Pilates: The Basics & Benefits
Clara John provides an insight into the objectives and benefits of a Pilates workout.
Pilates is an amazingly efficient exercise program that engages the mind and body simultaneously. It is a total-body workout that keeps you fit and energized. It is similar to yoga, in which you have to practice certain postures for a specific time. However, there is a difference in that yoga poses are usually prolonged without any movement, but Pilates poses sometimes include repetitive movements.
Pilates concentrates on building core muscle strength—the powerhouse of the body. It also focuses on controlled breathing, flexibility, and meditation. The key is to control the muscles and mind together. Pilates has become one of the most widely practiced exercise systems globally.
How to do Pilates?
The Pilates system is based on fundamental principles, including proper postural alignment, focused breathing, the concentration of mind and body together, improved circulation, and fluid movements. It concentrates primarily and engages central body muscles, including the back, abdominals, and hips, known as core body muscles. Pilates moves can be carried out with or without equipment.
After mastering the basic moves, one can increase the intensity and challenge of the poses through specific Pilates tools. The Pilates Reformer, trapeze table, spine corrector, and foot character are some of the apparatus used widely nowadays to perform Pilates workouts. Some props, like large and small workout balls, resistance bands, Pilates circles, and foam rollers, are also used in Pilates workouts to increase the intensity of the moves.
Benefits of Pilates Workout
1. Pilates offers several benefits for mental and physical comfort. The workout assists in building a strong core and a healthy, lean body. Regular Pilates practice can tone a strong, slender body with healthy muscles. One of the primary aims of Pilates is to increase the elasticity of the muscles and mobility of the joints, which helps prevent common injuries.
2. Pilates workouts stress correct postural alignment. They help create awareness of the importance of proper posture for the spinal and skeletal systems. The more importance you give to the core muscles, the more flexible and stronger your spine becomes.
3. Pilates engages both mind and body in the poses, highlighting the importance of controlled breathing. Focused breathing is beneficial for the mind and body to work correctly. It improves blood circulation to provide adequate oxygen and nutrients for each body cell. It helps effectively eliminate waste from the body.
4. Pilates offers more significant benefits for older people to prevent arthritis, osteoporosis, and other joint and muscle discomforts. It improves the flexibility of joints and muscles, immensely assisting older adults in increasing their range of movement. It is especially beneficial for painful joints and stiff muscles.
5. Pilates improves physical and mental balance. We all need to learn and practice the workout correctly to achieve a positive outcome. It is a good idea to start with a trained instructor before doing it independently. For older adults and those with injuries, it is advisable to practice the workout under the supervision of a qualified instructor, but remember to speak to your physician before beginning any new exercise.
Page Reference
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- JOHN, C. (2013) Basics & Benefits of Pilates Workout [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article127.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Clara John is a blogger and fitness freak who spends her time learning health techniques.