Exercise is one of the most beneficial actions a human can do to better their health. It can consist of a variety of things such as running, lifting, and swimming. When you think of toning and building muscle, pilates may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, pilates has many physical and even mental benefits. In this article, you will first learn the origin of pilates, and its progression over time, and the various benefits pilates has to offer.
Brief History:
Pilates was first invented and named after Joseph Pilates, who first invented the exercise in the 1900s. Joseph Pilates was a bodybuilder and even a boxer, as he evidently led a healthy lifestyle, and thus was an expert on muscle growth/development. During World War I, when he was actually arrested, he created an alternate way to exercise and maintain a healthy physique: pilates. This would allow him to exercise in a captivated environment of a prison. Later on, once he was released, the first ever pilates studio was located within the United States, and the term describing the exercise technique was actually called Contrology. Over time, pilates has developed but has still been preserved in its roots. For example, a form of pilates requires the usage of machines, some of which are extremely similar to the original inventions by Joseph Pilates.
Benefits
Thus, pilates is an exercise that mainly works on core stability and flexibility. It works to stimulate the body to help build motion and even posture. It emphasizes the importance of having a good form and range of motion. It is considered an exercise that focuses on muscular endurance, despite not being the most rigorous/intense exercise in the world. Therefore, it can offer a variety of different benefits to the human body, such as mentioned earlier, core strength. It can not only tone the core muscles, but also help build/strengthen it, and allow the visual enhancement of the abdominals as the core strengthens. It also improves flexibility and control, which can be seen through the stability of the spine. It can also help prevent different potential injuries, such as pain in the joints or bones, and can even help aid in the recovery of certain joint/spinal injuries. Additionally, it can aid in better lung capacity, but it is important to remember that pilates is not meant for an aerobic or cardiovascular endurance exercise. It also helps with mental health, as with many exercises, it can act as a stress-reliever, and help someone unwind at the end of a long day.
Types of Pilates
There are two different main types of pilates that are both helpful, but differ in function. One of the types is classified as mat-based pilates. This form of pilates mainly functions around bodyweight, and thus utilizing the forces of gravity to one’s advantage. This form of pilates is more useful at home, where someone may not have all the equipment needed to do other pilates. The purpose of this type of pilates is to mainly improve posture, and thus build strength/stability within an individual’s body. The second type of pilates is equipment-based pilates, in which equipment is frequently utilized to create different motions or workouts. This allows for resistance against weights instead of gravity, and requires specific, accurate form to perform safely and adequately.
Bonus: more information regarding the different pilates exercises you could do at home without any special equipment: https://www.self.com/gallery/pilates-exercises-that-work-your-core
Sources:
https://www.pilatescentral.co.uk/history-origins-pilates/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/pilates-health-benefits
https://www.pilatesfoundation.com/pilates/the-history-of-pilates/
Pictures:
https://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Reformer-Machine-Foldable-Training/dp/B0B5S1YBJH
https://www.verywellfit.com/joseph-pilates-founder-of-the-pilates-method-2704455
https://mallasphere.com/men-should-do-pilates/
https://www.shape.com/fitness/tips/how-use-pilates-reformer-beginners
