Why is Pilates so complete?

Broad and versatile, this exercise meets the needs and abilities of every practitioner.

According to the American app ClassPassPilates was, for the first time, the most popular workout in 2023. This means that exercise is no longer something niche, that we only saw in movies and practiced by upper-class women, to become a ‘activity that satisfies all audiences.

And what led to this?

Everyone can do Pilates: children, elderly people, people with reduced mobility, obese people, high-level athletes, etc. Josi Araújo, teacher and physiotherapist at Pure Pilatesconsiders the activity complete and versatile for several reasons:

• We adapt Pilates to meet the needs and abilities of a wide range of people. “We modify exercises for intensity, range of motion and resistance, making them accessible to all fitness and ability levels.”
• Focusing on control and precision, Pilates emphasizes precise control of movements, using the mind to control the body. “This not only promotes safety during exercise, but also helps improve body awareness and the effectiveness of movements. “This approach especially benefits people with limited mobility or injuries, as it allows them to perform the exercises in a safe and effective.”

Emphasis on strengthening

One of the principles of the method is that it constantly works to strengthen the core, the central region of the body that includes the abdominal, lower back, buttock and deep core muscles. “These muscles are essential for providing support and stability to the spine, improving posture, and preventing injuries. Strengthening the core is essential for people of all ages and fitness levels, as it directly affects body function and movement “, explains.

Additionally, Pilates incorporates a variety of movement principles such as control, fluidity, breathing, concentration, precision and centering. “These principles work together to improve movement efficiency, promote stability and balance, and reduce stress on the joints,” the teacher describes.

“With the holistic approach, Pilates becomes a complete exercise, which brings benefits not only to the body, but also to the mind,” he emphasizes.

There are levels

Pilates is an activity divided into three levels. Josi Araújo, teacher and physiotherapist at Pure Pilatesexplains each.

➡️ Beginner: Aimed at people who have just started practicing Pilates or who have little experience. “Exercises at this level are simpler and aimed at establishing the basic foundations of Pilates, such as breath control, core activation and postural alignment.”

➡️ Intermediate: Designed for practitioners with a basic level of skill and strength. “Exercises at this level are more challenging in terms of resistance, range of motion and complexity, and aim to strengthen and tone muscles more intensely.”

➡️ Advanced: Exercises at this level are more advanced in terms of difficulty and require a greater level of strength, flexibility, balance and control. “They may include more complex variations of traditional Pilates exercises.”

But be careful! The teacher warns that it is important to progress gradually from one level to the next, as you gain strength, flexibility and technical ability. “A qualified Pilates instructor can help you determine the appropriate level and tailor exercises to your individual needs and goals,” she says.

And the little body?

With so many benefits, it’s obvious that you, the reader, also want to know what pilates does to your body. Does it define? Do you lose weight? Does it give you muscles? The teacher and physiotherapist respond!

“The body of a person who regularly practices Pilates can undergo several physical and noticeable transformations over time, and tends to become stronger, more flexible, balanced and well aligned. However, it is important to remember that the results vary from person to person. each person, depending on several factors, such as genetics, age, injury history and level of commitment to practice”, explains Josi Araújo.

Historic moment! Where does pilates come from?

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s in Germany. “Although not directly derived from a single specific physical exercise, Pilates has been influenced by a variety of disciplines and techniques that Joseph Pilates studied and practiced throughout his life,” reveals the practitioner.

Some of the top pilates influencers include:

• Yoga: Joseph Pilates studied and practiced yoga, incorporating many of the principles and techniques of breathing, concentration and body control into his method. Additionally, Pilates shares similarities with yoga in its emphasis on the connection between mind and body and the pursuit of physical and mental harmony.
• Gymnastics: He studied movement and observed how people moved with efficiency and grace, incorporating these principles into his exercises.
• Dance: Joseph Pilates was a dancer and choreographer and his experience in dance influenced the development of many Pilates exercises. He has worked with professional dancers to help them recover from injuries and improve their performance, adapting and refining his method based on this experience.
• Bodybuilding and fitness: Pilates is also inspired by the principles of bodybuilding and fitness. “He believed in the importance of strengthening the deep muscles of the body, which he called power plantto promote stability, balance and control.”

In conclusion, Josi tells us that, over the years, Joseph Pilates has refined and improved his method, which he initially called ‘Controlology’. “He developed a series of floor exercises and created specialized equipment to complement his practice. Pilates gained popularity among dance practitioners and spread into other areas such as physical rehabilitation and general conditioning, becoming the complete method and versatile that we know today”, he concludes.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.