Pilates is a physical and mental training system created at the beginning of the 20th century by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. It aims to strengthen the body and mind from the deepest to the most superficial muscles, increasing and uniting dynamism and muscular strength with mental control, relaxation, and breathing.
It is a discipline that combines gymnastics, ballet, and yoga techniques. It is inspired by criteria doctors related to traumatology and rehabilitation since Joseph Hubertus designed it to solve physical problems that affected him since his childhood.
Benefits of doing Pilates
The practice of Pilates offers the possibility of doing it both in a free, clean, and comfortable space with a mat, as well as on specialized machines. This training offers extensive benefits, such as:
Improves body posture: by focusing on breathing and spinal alignment, the position of the abdomen, chest, and shoulders is improved. Thus achieving correct posture when standing, sitting, or walking.
Muscle flexibility: These exercises are based mostly on stretching and elongation, which allows the muscles to lengthen.
Improves breathing: in Pilates, the exercises are complemented with breathing to help relax the body and improve the application of the movements.
Helps combat stress: by exerting mental control over movement, balance, breathing, and strength, our brain suspends worries and anxieties, thus reducing stress levels considerably.
Get in shape: This activity helps modify and define the muscle while it lengthens and hardens.
Training without injuries: allows you to work your body and tone without risks while working all muscle groups.
Among the accessories necessary to carry out this practice are elastic bands, rollers, a stability ball, pilates rings, and a mat.
Ideal structure of a Pilates class
A Pilates routine is made up of three essential parts: an activation phase, a middle section, and a cool-down stage. This flexible routine allows you to adjust it based on your goals and difficulty levels. You also can add additional exercises to focus on specific areas of your body.
Activation: prepares the body for physical activity, increasing body temperature. It can be done with joint mobility for approximately 5 minutes.
Central part: exercise routine where the exercise to be performed and the load indicator are indicated (divided into series and repetitions).
Back to calm: consists of bringing the body to a state of rest, taking into account breathing and slight stretching of the muscles.
Pilates completes massage therapy
Pilates can complement massage therapy by promoting core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Improved posture and muscle balance from Pilates can enhance the effectiveness of massage, allowing therapists to target specific areas more efficiently. Additionally, Pilates exercises can help release tension and improve circulation, creating a synergistic effect when combined with massage for overall well-being.
We have already provided you with some information and steps to follow that you should take into account before diving into this activity. Now, we want you to put them into practice. Remember that more than an exercise routine, it can become a lifestyle that provides relaxation and tranquility.