Pilates is a strength based workout designed to work the entire body in one session. Created by Joseph Pilates and brought to the US in the 1920’s, Pilates can be done on the Mat, Reformer and other pieces of apparatus like the Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Barrels, to name a few.
Because Pilates focuses on balancing our asymmetries, it’s great for every body. If you’re in need of flexibility, Pilates will loosen what is tight. If you are hyper mobile, Pilates will strengthen what is unstable.
Pilates is great for men, women, young, old, athletes and children. And, you don’t need to replace something else you love doing to do Pilates. You can do it before you HIIT workout or after your run. It’s an excellent partner in your life. Pilates really helps you do more of what you love.
And, because Pilates focuses on quality over quantity, you don’t have to do sets or wait until you’ve felt a burn. In fact, Pilates is a workout that will leave you feeling invigorated instead of drained. You can do it in the beginning of your day, in the middle or at the end.
Many people who teach Pilates focus on the 6 principles – Centering, Concentration, Precision, Flow, Control, Breath. To do Pilates correctly you have to focus on what is moving and from where. It’s a total movement mediation.
The benefits of Pilates are endless and compounding over time. By doing Pilates three to four times a week you will not just be working out but practicing Pilates in your body. The longer you do it the more benefits you reap.
Before you start Pilates, there’s a few things you should know:
- There are more than 500 basic Pilates exercises. If you’re new to Pilates, find a teacher or a beginner class to learn the fundamentals.
- Schedule Pilates in your calendar 3-4x a week. I know getting to class is tough so complimenting your in-person workouts with online workouts will help you keep your Pilates practice up.
- Pilates is similar to yoga but it’s not yoga so it’s great to do yoga or any other workout in conjunction with your Pilates.
- Pilates is a practice not a perfect. Do the best you can to get connected but remember one of the principles is to flow.
- Take your Pilates with you on the road, to the gym, on a hike or wherever you go. The functional movements you will practice when you are doing Pilates will help you reach for something on the top shelf, stand taller, recover from a stumble on the steps and everything in between.
When will you do Pilates?
xx~LL
