What is pilates?

Around the world, people are clamoring to learn more about the exercise program that is known as pilates. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the basic ideals and methods of pilates to help you to better understand this workout technique that is becoming more and more commonplace by the day.

Pilates was created by a man of the same name. The program began roughly around the year 1914, in which Joseph Pilates was living a very active life as both a boxer and a performer. When the first World War began, Pilates was placed into an internment camp due to his German heritage. In the camp, he would begin to show his fellow bunkmates some techniques of exercise that he’d been working on by himself for the past twenty years. His program incorporated both techniques that he himself had created, as well as drawing upon fitness regimens that were used in ancient Rome and Greece. As the routine gained believers, Joseph worked as hard as he could to properly train instructors, taking the subject very personally to ensure that people were getting the proper benefits from the exercise.

So that leaves us with the question “What exactly is pilates?” In short, pilates is a system of over 500 different types of exercises that draw upon both the body of the participator as well as the mind. The exercises are designed to help make the body more flexible and strong without dramatically altering the size of the individual. Many of the exercises are focused on building ‘the core’ of the body. Pilates subscribers refer to ‘the core’ when they are speaking about the muscles of the abdomen, the back, and the pelvic region. Whereas normal exercise may make one feel exhausted and drained, pilates incorporates the use of non-high-intensity routines so that one may feel even more energetic after performing the exercises. Pilates can have numerous positive effects on the health and the fitness of the individual, with participators reporting a gain in strength as well as aided flexibility and a better sense of balance. Pilates can allow the individual to gain better posture through its many exercises, as well as increasing the range of circulation of the joints. While some prefer to exclusively perform pilates, many choose to use pilates to supplement a standard fitness routine. Circulation can also be improved through pilates, and joint stress and body aches can be relieved through the activity. In addition to the host of positive effects the exercise has on the body, the mind can receive just as much positive influence. You’ll find yourself to be more aware of your body and engaging your mind in the activity can prove to be an efficient method of stress relief.

There is a vast cross-section of the population taking part in the benefits of pilates; participants of all ages and physical conditions can benefit from the effects. The average pilates program includes a session of pilates between two and four times per week. If you’re interested in the exercise, you can do it either on your own through the use of books or videos to guide your practice, or you can participate in group sessions in which you learn to enjoy pilates amongst others. The options are out there – it’s up to you to decide exactly what you want to do and if pilates is the right exercise program for you.