Although Pilates is not a new form of exercise, it has recently become popular as people began to realize its health benefits. Many people, from movie stars to sports stars to seniors, have started signing up for a Pilates fitness program. Many people avoid this because they think it’s just to build their abs or core muscles. But there is much more associated with Pilates, such as strengthening the entire body to gain body balance, flexibility, muscular strength, posture and much more. It can be called a combination of yoga, martial arts and other western forms of exercises.
history of pilates
Pilates was initially designed by a German fitness specialist, Joseph Pilates, in the early 20th century. It is said that this type of exercise regimen was formulated by him so that people who were injured in World War II would recover faster. Pilates believed that the mind and body are interrelated and developed this system to strengthen “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” He taught many Germans and British alike, and students of his opened studios to teach these exercises.
Today, many modern methods of exercise are combined with traditional Pilates and new forms of Pilates are introduced in many Pilates fitness classes. All of these classes follow almost the same principle and have the same benefits.
Who can do these exercises?
Pilates fitness programs are for anyone and everyone. Sportsmen, dancers, athletes, men, women, pregnant and postpartum women, the elderly, obese and oversized, can perform these forms of exercises. If one chooses to join a Pilates fitness program, then one should choose a quality fitness studio, which would actually do the exercises tailored to their needs. Many people avoid them, thinking that they need to be fit to join some classes. But this is not true. In fact, this is suitable for people with poor mobility and joint pain, as it improves activity level.
Pilates for beginners
There are many fitness programs that are designed to suit both beginners and advanced students. As soon as one decides to sign up for a program, they need to decide what type of program, be it individual, duo or group sessions, is right for them.
Even after signing up for a class, a beginner should always keep five things in mind
• Centered
• Approach
• Precision
• Control
• Breathing flow
These are the basic principles involved in all Pilates exercises, regardless of the equipment used. Pilates engages the entire body and mind, and when one begins to do these exercises, the focus is on the entire body. Not only does this help you do the exercise effectively, but it also helps your body get used to each and every move. Although these are the basics, a beginner will know much more when they enroll in a Pilates fitness program.
As a beginner, one does not have to worry about adaptability as it is a beginner friendly fitness program.