Become a 'Stretch'-tacular Queen: All About Pilates
Ladies, if you haven't tried Pilates yet, you're missing out on some serious benefits!
If you’re looking for a fun, low-impact workout that can help you build strength, flexibility, and balance, look no further—Pilates has been around for over 100 years and still going strong today, which is a testament to its popularity and effectiveness.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of Pilates, talk about some of the basic techniques, and recommend some of the top Pilates workouts to try.
A Brief History Of Pilates
Did you know Pilates was created by a German man named Joseph Pilates? This very popular and aestheticised form of exercise has a bit of a grim past.
Joseph was born in Germany in 1883 and had a pretty rough start in life, battling asthma and rickets as a kid. But he was determined to get fit and started studying all sorts of exercises.
During World War I, Joseph was locked up in a prison camp where he developed a system of exercises that didn't require much space or equipment—his exercises focused on strengthening your core, improving your flexibility and balance, and making you breathe deeply…and that’s how Pilates was born!
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates focuses a lot on the “mind controlling the body” and has a heap of benefits for both. Some of them include:
Stronger core muscles: Pilates works your abs, back, and pelvic muscles, which can help you stand taller, improve your posture, and prevent back pain.
Better flexibility: Pilates involves lots of stretching, which can help you become more flexible and reduce the risk of injury.
Increased strength: Pilates is great for building strength in a more low-impact way, without having to hit the gym 5x a week!
Reduced stress: Pilates is a mind-body workout that can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Plus, deep breathing exercises can help you feel more centred and focused.
Increased energy: like with any regular exercise, Pilates is a workout that leaves you feeling energized, not drained. You'll leave your class feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
Improved overall health: Regular Pilates practice can help lower your blood pressure, improve your digestion, and boost your immune system, among other health benefits!
Okay But How Does Pilates Work?
Pilates is all about the mind-body connection. It's a low-impact workout that focuses on controlled movements, proper alignment, and breathing.
Here's a quick rundown of how Pilates works:
Breathwork: One of the key principles of Pilates is proper breathing. Pilates exercises involve deep breathing that focuses on expanding the rib cage and engaging the core muscles. By breathing deeply and focusing on the breath, you can increase oxygen flow to your muscles, which helps you perform the exercises more effectively!
Types of exercises: Pilates exercises can be broken down into two categories: mat work and equipment work. Mat work involves performing exercises on a mat on the floor, while equipment work involves using machines and props such as the reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda chair. Both types of exercises focus on strengthening your core muscles and improving your overall fitness level.
Control: Pilates exercises are all about control. Each movement is performed slowly and deliberately, with a focus on proper alignment and form. By controlling your movements, you can build strength, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury.
Mind-body connection: By focusing on your breath and your movements, you can become more aware of your body and how it moves. This awareness can help you improve your posture, prevent injuries, and reduce stress.
Flexibility: Pilates exercises involve lots of stretching, which can help you become more flexible and reduce the risk of injury. By incorporating stretching into your Pilates routine, you can improve your range of motion and prevent muscle soreness.
Top Pilates Workouts
Ready to try Pilates for yourself? We definitely recommend supporting local Pilates studios in your area, but there are so many awesome online options to check out as well:
Alo Moves: If you're new to Pilates, Alo Moves has got you covered with their beginner-friendly workouts. You'll learn the basic Pilates principles while building strength and flexibility. The instructors are fun and friendly, and they'll guide you through each exercise with ease. Alo Moves is perfect for anyone who's looking to start their Pilates journey.
Blogilates: This popular YouTube channel offers a wide range of Pilates workouts, from quick abs routines to full-body workouts. Instructor Cassey Ho brings a fun, energetic vibe to her workouts that will keep you motivated.
Pilatesology: With clear instructions and challenging exercises and a library of unlimited classes, you'll be able to take your Pilates practice to the next level in no time!
Pilates Anytime: This online platform offers a huge library of Pilates workouts, from beginner to advanced. With over 3,000 videos available, you're sure to find a workout that suits your needs and preferences.