Pilates is a combination of gymnastics, tai-chi, yoga and ballet. Its creator, Joseph H. Pilates, developed a set of exercises that were originally supposed to help him fight rickets. Over time, his exercises were used by dancers and athletes. Currently, it is one of the most popular sets of exercises in fitness clubs.
For lazy people
The exercises are accompanied by calm, relaxing music, and the movements are slow and precise. These exercises engage large muscles, but also the smallest ones. Hidden deep, they are strengthened, stretched and loosened.
What do Pilates exercises give us?
First of all, they allow us to increase the awareness of our body, teach us to listen to the signals that flow from it. At the same time, they allow you to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis, stretch the contracted muscles. They are also helpful in back pain, because exercise prevents back pain, slims the figure and improves posture. Pilates also has a relaxing effect – it reduces stress and tension, for example in the neck area. Thanks to these exercises, we can learn to breathe properly and we can develop balance, coordination and body endurance.
For whom?
Pilates is suitable for everyone – regardless of gender, age or physical condition. It will be suitable for those who want to improve body flexibility and want to take care of the correct posture every day. In some cases, you should consult a doctor if there are no objections to this type of exercise. It is necessary in people with osteoporosis, injuries, degenerative pains of the spine and in pregnant women and after surgeries of internal organs. If the doctor agrees, an individual set of exercises should be agreed with the trainer.
What does the training look like?
A typical Pilates workout is a set of exercises that last no longer than 90 minutes. The big advantage here is that you don’t have to repeat several exercises endlessly. Each exercise in the set is performed about 10 times. This allows you to avoid boredom and fatigue. During exercise, it is important to control your breathing and diaphragm. The most tangible benefits and effects will be achieved by exercising at least two or three times a week. We can see the first effects faster than in other exercises, because after the first 1020 sessions.
Why Pilates gives such good results?
This is mainly about the technique and correctness of the exercises we do. Composed training programs, in which the degree of difficulty gradually increases, allow you to perform exercises with extreme precision, thanks to which we can get to know our own body better. Other exercises are limited to fat burning. Pilates, on the other hand, increases the mobility and flexibility of muscles, reducing the risk of injury. In another type of exercise, fat burning does not translate into muscle strengthening, which makes them weak and vulnerable to injuries. In addition, Pilates engages all the muscles of the body, strengthening them at an even pace and not overloading any muscle group too much.