The Pilates method is a type of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates. This method focuses on the development of body and mind through exercises that focus on the development of strength, flexibility, coordination and resistance of body and mind through elegant and harmonious movements.
The Pilate’s method gets (or at least tries) to put your mind in tune with your body. To do this, it emphasizes breathing and correct spinal and pelvic alignment through smooth and fluid movements. In this way, you will be very aware of how your body feels and how you must control its movements. For this reason, in Pilates the quality of the movements is valued more than the quantity of the repetitions.
Another advantage of Pilate’s techniques is that it helps build long, lean, and flexible muscles, unlike strength exercises, which build short, bulky muscles, which is the type of muscle most prone to injury.. If you practice Pilates techniques, over time, the muscles in your body will lengthen and strengthen, and your elasticity, joint mobility, posture, and balance will improve. In this way, you will have a body that will have balanced strength and less chance of injury.
The Pilates technique is based on developing a strong core, flat abs and a strong back. In Pilate’s exercises, no muscle group is trained more than another, even ankles and feet work in each movement in a balanced way with the rest of the body. Pilates also helps reduce stress levels by relieving tension and increasing energy.
Different routines for the same technique
- There are two ways to perform Pilates exercise routines. Most of these routines are performed on mats on the floor. The exercises are designed so that your body uses its own weight as resistance and in recent years accessories such as exercise balls, elastic bands, padded cushions, rings, etc. have been added to this method. The objective of these accessories is to add more resistance to movements.
- The other method of Pilates uses a series of machines equipped with pulleys and ropes, prepared to tone and strengthen the body. also using the principle of resistance. Although the Pilates machines used in institutes are usually extremely large and cumbersome, versions have been created that emulate the apparatus for institutes, but are smaller, allowing many of the exercises to be performed at home. Mat inserts are also designed to have a benefit similar to that of high school machines.
- Most of the exercises in the routines are performed in sitting or lying postures and most exercises are low impact. This fact allows almost anyone to practice them and this includes from patients in physical rehabilitation therapy, to professional athletes who want to strengthen their muscles to avoid injuries, to movie stars, models and musicians who seek to show off a harmonious physique.
- Pilates is beneficial for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Regular practice of the method can help improve your self-esteem, and be more aware of changes in your body, such as those that occur during adolescence and during menopause.
