Pilates- What is it, what are the benefits, and should you be doing it?

    Pilates can be defined as a form on low-impact exercise following a specific set of exercises with a focus on improving strength by targeting the core, promoting flexibility and stability, bettering posture, and enhancing mental awareness. Pilates was originally invented in the early 20th century by German man named Joseph Pilates, designed to help injured and bed-ridden soldiers in World War I. The Pilates method was originally named the "Art of Contrology" by Joseph, as he believed people who practiced his method would strengthen their mind and muscles to have complete control over their bodies. The Pilates method grew once Joseph moved to New York City and began working with ballerinas needing help with injuries. Now, Pilates has become well-known worldwide and is especially practiced in Western countries. 

    The benefits to Pilates are endless. The main benefit is that Pilates genuinely makes you feel better. After consistent Pilates sessions, the body will become more aligned and have more mobility in everyday life- which is why Pilates is credited as the best exercise for functional movement. The mobility and stability benefits Pilates provides makes this attractive for elderly clients who are using this form on low-impact exercise to have a better quality of life! Additionally, Pilates targets the core muscles which can help with better posture and stability, not to mention the fact that the deep breath coordinated with the movement found in Pilates classes, creates better mind/body awareness. 

    Pilates can be performed on a number of different apparatus. The most commonly known apparatus is the Reformer, which resembles a bed you lie down on! The Reformer has different spring settings to provide resistance and enable people to change the spring weight depending on the exercise. Pilates can also be performed on the Cadillac/Tower, which resembles a mat with a different spring setting on the back to provide resistance. There is another piece of apparatus named the Chair, which is a small chair with a pedal and and springs to provide resistance! Of course anyone can also practice Pilates at home with just a mat and maybe a few small props, like a theraband and a Magic Circle. Additionally, there is small equipment that Pilates exercises can be found on such as the Ladder Barrel, the Spine Corrector, and the Foot Corrector. 

    As a certified Pilates instructor, I truly believe that every person can and should be doing Pilates. Pilates can appear quite intimidating on Instagram with girls doing crazy stretches and strengthening exercises. However this is the exception, not the norm. Of course it is amazing to have goals and aspire to be an "Instagram-worthy" Pilates professional, however, Pilates should really be about reaping the benefits. Those benefits are- a stronger core, improved posture and flexibility, less aches and pains, and overall better body awareness. 

    In my teaching experience, I have learned to teach everyone from an 85 year old woman with osteoporosis to a morbidly obese individual looking to better their health. I have taught men with very little flexibility, gym rats who could probably bench press me, and marathon runners looking to improve their performance. You see? There is such a wide range of individuals committing to a consistent Pilates practice for various reasons. Whether your goal is to become stronger, leaner, healthier, or more flexible- there is a place for you in a Pilates class!

    My advice to you is recommending to only working with a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor who understands how to properly progress a client when they are ready. The biggest advice I can give to those interested in starting a Pilates practice is to remain consistent. After your first class you may feel overwhelmed, however like all good things, Pilates takes time. In order to reap the benefits, consistency is key. As Joseph Pilates stated, "In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body."