In terms of wild popularity, only yoga and running can be compared with Pilates – not a single self-respecting fitness club bypasses this type of training. So what is the reason for the success of this type of physical activity and how to join it in conditions of self-isolation?
The name of this type of training was given by the surname of its creator Josef Pilates, who developed his system for recovering the body after injuries at the beginning of the last century – during the First World War, it helped the rehabilitation of the wounded. It was based on some principles and techniques of yoga, tai chi and other Eastern traditions – Pilates called the system controlology and defined it as complete coordination between the body, mind and spirit.
After the war, he emigrated to the United States and adapted his system to the needs of athletes, helping them, and along with ballet dancers and other dynamic arts, to recover from various injuries and breakdowns.
Quite quickly, the fame of controlology went beyond professional circles and this type of training, renaming it Pilates, began to be practiced by movie actors, musicians and other stars, as well as mere mortals.
Pilates is a series of exercises that are performed at a slow pace or even statically – this allows you to maximize the strengthening of muscles and ligaments without overloading the joints and spine, as well as the cardiovascular system.
Pilates increases endurance and flexibility, helps to “put in place” the neck and spine
The movements themselves are not difficult even for absolute beginners – these are tilts, twists, leg raises, and so on, but their slow implementation requires quite noticeable efforts, due to which not only the body, but also the will is gradually strengthened, according to the adepts.
Many who have experienced Pilates for themselves consider it a great way to put things in order in their heads, let go of burdensome and disturbing thoughts, and improve their mood.
Its value is also in the fact that it allows you to use deep muscles, which are not easy to reach, and also affects soft tissues and has a beneficial effect on blood flow and lymph flow.
It increases endurance and flexibility, helps to “put in place” the neck and spine, stretch it properly and strengthen the muscular frame around – for this, Pilates is considered a great way to get rid of back pain and keep it healthy. For a beautiful posture, strong abs and legs, a clear contour of the arms and facial contours, this training system is again recommended.
You can engage in people of any age, including children, and any level of training, even if it is zero – the main thing is to carefully listen to the recommendations of the trainer. Now, when many are forced to stay at home, online workouts, which are shared for free by large Russian fitness clubs, are perfect.
X-Fit Youtube channel already published from different network trainers – they are called Pilates Mat. For classes, a mat and determination are enough.
World Class also shared online lessons, during which trainers explain the meaning of certain movements, for example, Pilates with Inna Estrina.
Or with Diana Emelyanova.
On the Youtube channel “Be healthy!” A whole playlist dedicated to Pilates has been compiled. There you will find lessons for working out individual areas – for example, the hips or the press – as well as a series of exercises for the whole body “Pilates forte”.
Beginners may enjoy a half-hour lesson from coach Olga Derendeyeva – she explains the technique in detail and gives useful recommendations during the lesson.
Another option for beginners, but taking about an hour, is a video by Natalya Papusha. The trainer performs the exercises at a comfortable pace and comments on the movements to eliminate mistakes.