Pilates 101: Why you should try it today
Have you ever tried Pilates? This low-impact, fully-body workout can help you improve both your mental and physical well-being. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing benefits of Pilates and how easy it is to get started!
What is Pilates and where does it come from?
Pilates is a popular exercise that has been around since the early 20th century. It was developed by Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer who believed in the principles of balance, control, precision, and efficiency. This low-impact, full-body workout targets the core muscles and helps improve your flexibility. Based on six principles: concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breath, Pilates exercise and are designed to help improve balance, coordination, and overall body control. The best part of this exercise is, it’s suitable for men and women of all ages and experience levels!
Benefits of Pilates for your mental and physical well-being
Pilates can improve your overall health and wellness and can be an excellent addition to your health and fitness regimen. Some of the benefits of Pilates are:
- Targets your core muscles (abdomen, lower back, and pelvis), which helps improve posture, reduce back pain, and prevent injuries.
- Improves your flexibility
- Relies on your own body’s own resistance, which gives you a full body workout.
- Is a low impact form of exercise and puts less strain on joints.
- Requires precise movements and controlled breathing, which helps improve focus and concentration
- Improves your overall health by building muscle
- Can be modified to suit a wide range of fitness levels.
How to get started
Pilates is a highly adaptable form of exercise that can be modified to suit your fitness level. If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting out by attending a class with a certified Pilates instructor. Search for ‘Pilates [your town or city]’ to find a studio offering classes in your area. Let your instructor know about any health conditions, mobility issues or injuries you may alter the exercises to reach your goals.
If you’d rather give Pilates a try from home, there are many online resources available on Pilates for beginners! All you need is a yoga mat (or a carpeted area) and some free space in your home. Check out the 20 Minute Full Body Pilates Workout for Beginners video by certificated Pilates instructor Jessica Valant to get you started.
When you’re ready to move on to more advanced exercises, consider looking for Pilates studios that offer 1 on 1 reformer sessions. A reformer is a popular piece of Pilates equipment that consists of a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, and a foot bar. The springs provide resistance to exercises, which can help build strength and improve muscle tone. Many Pilates studios also offer reformer sessions, so look for one near your area.
Simply put, Pilates is a mindful and effective form of exercise that can help improve your core strength, flexibility, and body awareness, among other key attributes. It is suitable for both men and women of all ages and fitness levels and can be a great addition to any fitness routine!
So, what are you waiting for?
Looking for more low-impact exercise ideas? Check out our Yoga Basics or Yoga for Better Health articles!