Pilates is a form of controlled movements. Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates as a form of exercise regime in the early 20th century. Today Pilates is a popular form of exercise and millions of people prefer it as their fitness regime. Pilates can be done with basic gym equipment or it can be done with our body weight alone. When we include Pilates in our daily regime it gives immense benefits, physical as well as mental.
BENEFITS
PILATES MAKES YOU MORE FLEXIBLE
Pilates involves doing a lot of exercise in form of stretching. It can be done using a reformer or without one. When we use a reformer to do Pilates it will give us a better flexibility as it elongates muscles. As we stretch every day, over a period of time we will see an improvement in our range of motion. We will realize that our body is not as stiff, in fact it will feel looser and improve our movements in general and especially when we do other workouts and dance.
PILATES STRENGTHENS YOUR MUSCLES
The exercise and stretching in Pilates is such that it keeps our core muscles engaged and contracted during the entire workout. Pilates works specifically on lower back muscles, abdominal muscles, and buttocks, all of which form the core muscle group. This kind of workout keeps our core muscles lean and helps to strengthen them. It will also be beneficial in building our endurance.
PILATES RECONSTRUCTS YOUR BREATHING PATTERNS
Pilates gives a lot of importance to the breathing patterns. With correct breathing patterns during workouts and even afterwards, we will be able to improve the circulation of blood in our body. Pilates teaches us deep breathing which is essential for our body as it provides our muscles and organs with oxygen to clear the toxins. It will keep us feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Deep breathing also helps our muscles recover faster after a strenuous workout.
PILATES HELPS TO MEND YOUR POSTURE
As, we practice Pilates daily we tend to become more aware of our posture. In fact Pilates trains us to maintain a healthy posture even in our daily routine. So as we carry out simple tasks like brushing, cleaning, cooking or even going for run or a walk, you are acutely aware of how our posture should be. This is because of the fact that when we are doing Pilates it requires us to do all exercises smoothly. We are required to have correct spine and shoulder alignment. The entire focus during a Pilates session is on the posture and hence we carry this with us long after the session is over.
PILATES HELPS TO DISCIPLINE YOUR BODY
While doing Pilates it is very important that we are in control of our body and your equipment. Most of the exercises in Pilates work against gravity; hence it is very important that we discipline our body so it can control all external forces. This moves beyond the premise of our gym as we will be in control of our movements even when we sit walk and talk. This also helps to make us mentally strong.
PILATES CONDITIONS YOUR ENTIRE BODY
All the exercises in Pilates involve every muscle and joint. All parts of our body are equally trained and hence our entire body is beautifully balanced. The stretching and elongation of muscles ensures that our joints are mobile and this benefits in improving arthritis. Hence we will be able to enjoy our daily work and games.
PILATES IS EQUAL TO MEDITATION
Pilates is not just any ordinary exercise it is equal to practicing meditation and we will be able to see that as we proceed to do Pilates every day because it begins to take care of a variety of other things too. It relieves stress and frees us from insomnia, stress and anxiety, removes negative emotions and opens portal to creative thinking. On the whole pilates is not just a form of exercise it is a way of living too as it tend to stretch beyond the gym sessions and improves our life drastically.