Why should you try Pilates?

What is Pilates and what are its benefits?

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that can be done at home or in a studio. It is an excellent way to improve flexibility, strength and posture. In addition, Pilates can help relieve back pain and improve overall muscle tone.

How did Pilates come about?

The Pilates method was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Pilates was born in Germany and later immigrated to the United States. He originally developed Pilates as a rehabilitation programme for injured soldiers. However, it quickly gained popularity as a form of exercise for all individuals seeking to improve their health and fitness.

What are the key principles of Pilates?

Pilates is based on six key principles: focus, control, centre, breath, flow and precision. These principles work together to create a safe and effective workout that can be tailored to the needs of each individual.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates is a great way to exercise your body. It can help you improve your flexibility, strength and posture. In addition, Pilates can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Is Pilates for me?

Who is Pilates for?

Pilates is an excellent exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. It can help you build strength, increase flexibility and improve your overall health. Pilates is particularly beneficial for people with back pain or other injuries, as it helps to strengthen and stabilise the spine. It is also an effective way to improve posture and relieve stress.

How is Pilates different from other forms of exercise?

Pilates is unique in that it focuses on quality over quantity. Rather than trying to do as many reps as possible, Pilates focuses on performing each exercise with proper form and alignment. This not only prevents injury, but also leads to better results. In addition, Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise that can help improve concentration and focus.

The different types of Pilates exercises

Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on controlled and precise movements. It is often used to improve core strength, flexibility and posture. There are several types of Pilates exercises, each with its own benefits

The most common type of Pilates exercise is mat work. These exercises can be done at home or in a studio on a mat and often use body weight as resistance. They can be difficult to perform, but are excellent for building strength and improving flexibility

Pilates exercises based on the reformer are performed on a machine called a reformer. These machines offer resistance through springs and pulleys, which can make the exercises more challenging. Pilates reformer classes are often offered in studios and training centres

What equipment is needed for a Pilates session?

You don't need any special equipment for a Pilates session. All you need is a mat and comfortable clothes. However, some equipment can make your workout more effective. These include:

- Resistance bands: These add resistance to your workout and can be used for a variety of exercises.

- Weights: Adding a few light weights to your routine can help increase the intensity of your workout.

- A Pilates reformer: This is equipment specifically designed for Pilates exercises. It can be very useful in getting the most out of your exercise programme

Don't worry if you don't have any of this equipment. You can still do a good Pilates workout without it.

What is the best time of day to do a Pilates session?

The best time of day to do a Pilates session is in the morning. In the morning you are more likely to have energy and focus. In addition, doing Pilates in the morning can help you start your day on the right foot.

If you can't do Pilates in the morning, don't worry. You can train at any time of the day. Just make sure you find the time that works best for you and your schedule.

5 good reasons to practice Pilates 

The Pilates method consists of repeating and linking different movements, more or less difficult depending on the desired level, but always respecting the body and the physical limits of each person. The method is based on several principles to be taken into account in order to perform all the movements efficiently:
Centering, control, fluidity, breathing, precision and concentration.
As a result, Pilates is an activity with many benefits, but what are they? We have listed some of them for you:

Pilates to strengthen your body

The different exercises performed during a session will tone your body and sculpt your figure. The deep muscles are primarily worked, especially those of the abdominal muscles, the buttocks and the back. You will visibly firm up your body and considerably improve your overall posture.

Pilates to fight against the effects of aging 

The basic principles and positions of Pilates (centering, sheathing, body stretching etc.) added to the general strengthening of the body will allow you to work in a complete way on your muscles and joints. This method helps you strengthen and stretch in a controlled and respectful manner. You will quickly notice improvements, a stronger and more flexible body, which will lead to a decrease in your joint pain, especially back pain, the great scourge of today. These same benefits will allow you to be more mobile in your daily movements, reduce the risk of injury and thus help you to push back the effects of aging by promoting the maintenance of your autonomy.
Pilates is also recognized for its "reconstructive" effects, following an injury for example or an operation, physiotherapists frequently recommend this discipline.

Pilates to improve concentration 

Performing the movements slowly and in total control allows you to constantly engage your concentration so that the mind helps you gain control of your body.
By working on your precision and breath control, you will gradually learn to adopt innate reflexes, improve your breathing and increase your concentration.

Pilates to improve your balance

The method and the exercises proposed are recognized to correct the imbalances of the body, notably thanks to unilateral movements.
They also allow you to work on your balance in the literal sense, thanks to different postures. Balance is an important factor in maintaining your autonomy and freedom of movement, so it is important that you work on it regularly. Pilates sessions will help you achieve this goal.

Pilates for pleasure 

Beyond the aesthetic and physiological benefits, the practice of a physical activity must be a pleasure for the person who practices it, which favors the regularity of the sessions.
Pilates, with its gentle method and its different basic principles, will help you feel good, calm, more serene and in a better mood. You will get both physical and psychological satisfaction from it.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the many benefits of Pilates. In order to discover more about this superb discipline, there is nothing better than to try a class, or even several!
Indeed, it will be difficult for you to get a real idea of the benefits that it can bring to you only on one or two classes. It is estimated that it takes an average of 8 to 10 classes to master the different basic principles and techniques before you can apply them in an innate way. But your perseverance will be rewarded, so go for it!