Pilates, what is it and how does it work?

Pilates , what is it and how does it work?

I am sure at some point or another you have come across the term “Pilates”. Most likely first time when you heard about it you had no idea if it’s a type of desert or some sort of machinery, or maybe a pill that helps losing weight.
Pilates is a physical exercise that is becoming more and more popular with every single day that is passing and this is due not because it is a trendy and cool thing to take Pilates classes but because of the tremendous benefits of this unique exercise method.
Let’s start with the name: Pilates. It is a quite unusual name as you have probably noticed already and the interesting thing about it is that the founder of the movement was Austrian born Joseph Pilates. It at happened during the First World War with the proposal to improve the rehabilitation program for the many returning veterans. Pilates sessions claim to help increase strength and flexibility, lengthen the body, and align the spine. He created "The Pilates Principles" to condition the entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. So even if it all started in good old Europe, it didn’t reach it’s fame and glory until it touched American soil. Pilates opened a studio in New York and became popular with entertainers, especially dancers. It took quite a few years to pick up it’s own track and become the phenomenon it is today.
So it is that makes it so special? Pilates uses your own body weight and gravity for exercise (there is also another branch of Pilates that is using the help of special machines but the principles remain the same). All the exercises are focused on the core area, the internal abdominal muscles and the lower back muscles, as well as a proper breathing technique. By making these muscle groups stronger the individual will develop a proper posture and a correct alignment, fact which will lead to an improved physical condition.
Pilates is suitable for all ages and fitness level because it’s many exercises have several levels from beginner to expert. One session can last from 30 minutes to 75 minutes, and includes various exercises meant to reinforce the core and also stretch and energize the body.
It is very important that Pilates should be taken with a certified instructor, at least in the first two months. Have fun!

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