Beginning Pilates, like any other form of exercise, necessitates knowledge. You will need to do some research to fully understand the technique and determine if it is the best fit for your body and needs. Find out everything you can, even if it means delving a little deeper into history to get the backstory.
The first step in Pilates is to gather all of the necessary knowledge by reading, watching, and asking questions. The next stage is when you finally get physical and begin performing the exercises and see the results.
But before I get to that, here are a few interesting facts about Pilates
Interesting Facts about Pilates
Pilates origin was in Germany during World War 1
This fitness technique was named after its creator, Joseph Pilates. Unlike most fitness gurus, Joseph was sickly and feeble as a child, and as he grew older, he desired to try out exercises that would strengthen his body and improve his health.
He was successful in his endeavor. He was pretty famous for this exercise, but the most profound time was during his time in prison. He taught his fellow inmates and the guards Pilates, and they became stronger and more disease-resistant!
Pilates is a unisex exercise technique
Contrary to belief, Pilates is not a women’s only exercise, although the majority are women. Men, too, can benefit from this exercising technique. There is a statistics report that states women dominate Pilates in Australia.
Nearly 1.1 million do it, and men only reach 120 000. That is a ratio of about nine women to 1 man. And this is also evident all over the world.
Knowing that the inventor was a man tells you that men could also benefit from the exercise technique.
Pilates has techniques that help the back; no other form of exercise can
As I shall elaborate later on, one of the areas Pilates is helpful in the back. The exercises done in Pilates are the best in aligning the spine and keeping it healthy.
Yoga and Pilates are very different disciplines
Yes, yoga and Pilates have some similarities, but they are not the same. Indeed they are both low-impact exercises that employ flexibility and stretches, but Pilates goes beyond by also strengthening the body. Yoga incorporates meditation and other spiritual practices that Pilates does not use.
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact movement aimed at strengthening muscles and enhancing the balance and stability of the body.
Pilates solely operates based on core power. Reinforcement of the heart builds cohesion over the whole torso. This is one way for Pilates to relieve a lot of people’s back problems.
Pilates workouts intend to help you grow longer, healthier muscles, strengthen and stabilize your heart. And also link your mind and body. The trainer can customize the workouts to any level of health and wellness, from recovery to elite athletic performance.
There are essentially two kinds of Pilates classes: one with mats and the other, which go by the name reformer classes. The reformer classes employ equipment that initiates resistance, like stationary foot bars, pulleys, and springs.
Principles of Pilates
Here are the main principles of Pilates:
- Breathing
- Pelvic placement
- Rib cage placement
- Scapular Movement and stabilization
- Head and crevice placement
So, in general, Pilates is a head-to-toe exercise technique centering it all to the core to improve posture, alignment of the spine and strength of the muscles all over the body.
Safety is also a fundamental part of Pilates as effective movement patterns are part of the lessons to maintain safe joints. If you cannot complete a routine by any chance, a trainer offers you options to get the same results.
The Pilates technique to exercise is unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. It is more than just a collection of exercises; it is a journey to a healthy and happier life.
Before: What Body Parts Does Pilates Focus On?
After getting a clear picture of the principles, here is a complete breakdown of the targeted areas Pilates concentrated on:
Your Posterior
The first body part the exercise helps gain strength and sturdiness is your back. Back problems are very prevalent, but did you know that most of them are preventable?
Pilates works to strengthen all the muscles surrounding the spine, ensuring that it stays straight and healthy. One significant benefit is getting a great posture and rectifying issues such as slouching.
Pelvis and Hips
The pelvis and hips on your body are basically the carriers of all the weight in the upper body. This includes all the organs, so you can imagine the pressure and weight they support.
Believe it or not, slouching impairs not only your posture but also exerts more pressure on your pelvis and hips. Pilates helps this by first working the core to strengthen the back muscles. With that, you get an aligned spine without any slouching.
The flexibility through the stretches and other exercises also helps the pelvis and hips become better.
A Stout Butt
The buttock muscles are among your most valuable strengths, although many people do not realize it. They not only allow you to sit, walk, run, climb, and leap, but they also act as a secure foundation, providing even more stability than the core alone. It is a reinforcer to the core.
Most Pilates workouts that include your legs and hips often directly target your gluteus maximus. With regular engagement during Pilates sessions, the butt becomes firmer and stronger.
Abs
The abs are what is commonly referred to as the core in the fitness industry. It is the abdominal parts of the body that is key in protecting the internal organs. The muscle network in the abs section acts like a net that holds the internal organs in place, also taking the role of a shield.
That said, the stronger they are, the better they are at their job.
If you have a weak core, your organs can get displaced even with the least impact, which means that they are prone to damage in this state.
Pilates helps strengthen this internal girdle making it better at its job. If you have a strong core, you can survive impact blows without necessarily getting hurt fatally. If you want to get this fit, you better start Pilates soon!
Up until this point, everything you have read is about before Pilates. The next sections will highlight all the afters: the actual pilates result and why you should try it.
I shall start with the changes pirates is bound to make in your body.
After: Changes Pilates Does in One’s Body
Below are the primary benefits of adding Pilates in workouts:
Enhances adaptability
In Pilates, the length, stretch of your muscles and range of movements in your joints increase safely. The trainer ensures that they help you achieve this in the safest ways possible through progressive training.
The stretches are not as intense as yoga but very manageable even for older people with reduced flexibility.
Improves Your Posture
A powerful core exercise leads to a healthy posture. Pilates helps you to use your core muscles and concentrate on aligning your body correctly. A good posture is visually appealing. A strong posture makes it easier and more graceful to walk and sustain your regular movements as you age.
You get to eliminate issues to do with back pain, hips and leg discomforts.
Strengthens the Core
Pilates strengthens the deep muscles in the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor, essentially the body’s core. With a strong center, you become more stable.
Thus, the neck and shoulders can rest easily, the pelvis and hips may not get strained plus all other body muscles can perform optimally.
Strengthens the body’s muscles
The whole muscle network in the body becomes reinforced with Pilates. The focus exercises that engage all these muscles make them more reactive, giving them a chance to tear and heal safely to become stronger.
Enhance Awareness
By incorporating daily Pilates into your routine, you can increase your awareness and mental fortitude dramatically. This can be particularly beneficial in the difficult times of work or life.
Concentration improves, and the ability to solve physical, psychological, and emotional problems also improves.
When Do You Start Seeing Results After Starting Pilates?
The aftermath of Pilates is not felt after the first session; it is not magic. Muscles have to break down to heal and build back up. Besides the exercise itself, you need to get your nutrition right too. Consume plenty of balanced meals and stay hydrated.
Regardless, the results are dependent on the frequency of exercises and your specific routine. This means that a person who does Pilates daily will get faster results than one who goes for one class a week!
But from the founding father himself, Joseph Pilates, ten sessions will make you feel great. Then after the 20 sessions, you will look better, and finally, after 30 sessions, your body will be a new one.
Why Pilates?
Pilates will get you into shape through several exercises. But then again, you should have your goal in mind.
Why are you exercising?
Because, as you may know, people exercise for a multitude of reasons.
Some do it to lose weight, others to gain muscle, others to regain health, and others just to lead a healthy life because they find fitness fun.
Pilates is one widespread kind of exercise technique beloved by many. Here is why you should join the next Pilates classes available.
It is fun
Pilates is a fun exercise with low-impact exercises that will not have you running out of breath. It is not as intense as boxing or running on the treadmill, but it works. This means that it accommodates everyone, making it a shared fun exercise the whole family can be part of.
It helps your mental health
Breathing activities utilized in yoga and Pilates help mitigate nervousness, anxiousness, and depression. Profound breathing likewise betters blood flow and oxygen supply into the brain, helping it rest and rejuvenate.
Like any other exercise that boosts the production of serotonin, you will experience lower stress, and it will be a potent mood booster.
You get the body you have always wanted
Everyone has a vision and picture of the body they would love to have at some point; I know I do. So what is yours?
Do you want to be a certain weight? Or perhaps gain some mass? With Pilates and a great coach to help you, you can finally claim the body you have always wanted.
But here is the catch;
Be realistic!
You cannot expect to shed a hundred pounds in a few weeks. It would be absurd, and it is actually a health risk. Instead, set up a plan and be patient with your journey. Diet is also a big part. So get everything aligned, and you will see these changes after the 30th session.
It is an exercise that proffers you the overall body fitness
Lastly, Pilates is a full-body workout system that will ensure your whole body looks and feels great. As Joseph Pilates put it, after 30 sessions, you will get a new body. This means the whole body. So do not waste any more time; get started.
Take Away
Before partaking in Pilates, become aware of what you are getting yourself into. And I have taken you through the basics, the before and after, so now you can start Pilates. Book a class and get to enjoy your new body after 30 sessions. Be patient with yourself; you can do this.
Remember, hard work pays.
Sure, you will have a few sore muscles after a few sessions, but that means that the exercise is working. All the best!
FAQs
How quickly can Pilates change your body? ›
Joseph Pilates has a famous quote: “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body.” I committed to 30 sessions, which broke down to about three times a week over three months.
How Pilates has changed me? ›Every single muscle in my body has been stretched, worked out and given the Pilates treatment, including muscles I never knew existed. I feel infinitely stronger, fitter and healthier than ever before. My cardio fitness levels have improved, my body has re-shaped and my muscles are longer and leaner.
Can Pilates really change your body? ›If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body- it is well known and loved for creating long, strong muscles, improving muscle tone, balancing musculature and improving posture. These combined benefits leave you looking and feeling like a brand new person.
Can Pilates change your body in 2 weeks? ›Physical results from doing Pilates will be noticeable within three to eight weeks, depending on how often you work out. Mental changes will be felt much sooner, with most people feeling more energised, alert and happier after each Pilates session.
What kind of body does Pilates give you? ›As far as what muscles Pilates works, it's technically considered a total body workout. In working the entire body, though, Pilates' movements are primarily designed to target your core muscles, including your: Abdominal muscles. Hip muscles.
How many days a week should I do Pilates to see results? ›Pilates, just like many other fitness systems, should be done for a minimum of 3 times per week. However, to further improve your body's strength, flexibility and endurance, you can do up to 4 or 5 Pilates classes a week.
Can Pilates change your face shape? ›Increased control of facial muscles. Increased tone and volume of facial muscles, which has the potential to change the appearance of your face (note in the before and after photo how my eyes have brightened and the area between the nose and upper lip has plumped). Increased strength and resting tone in the neck.
What 3 aspects does Pilates focus on the most? ›Pilates focuses on core strength and exercises both mind and body to develop stability, stamina, balance and flexibility. There are countless benefits to a regular practice, but in this article, we want to focus on some of the core principles of the methodology that some members might not be familiar with.
Does Pilates make you look thinner? ›The “Pilates effect” is the idea that practicing Pilates can lead to improved posture, muscle tone, and a toned core area. The result of this “effect” is that it may appear you have lost weight. That's because if you've gained or toned up your muscles, you may look more fit overall, even if you haven't lost weight.
Will Pilates tone my arms? ›In short, Pilates not only tone the front of the arms but also the back part of the arms, shoulder blades and bra fat.
Does Pilates make your waist smaller? ›
Pilates is a great option if you want to achieve a smaller waistline, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. It works all of your abdominal muscles including those in your six-pack, waist and deep muscles. It creates not just smaller waist and washboard stomach, but also good posture and healthier body.
Will Pilates everyday will I see results? ›By providing variety within the workouts, ensuring not to over-stress one particular body part in a single session, and not repeating the same routine over and over again, Pilates provides a regime that can be safely undertaken daily. Now having said that, you don't HAVE to do Pilates every day to get results!
How many times a week should I do Pilates to lose weight? ›“In my 10-plus years of teaching, I've learned that students who have a strong Pilates practice see results quicker, as they're able to perform their other workouts more effectively,” says Brennan. She recommends doing Pilates two to four times per week for the best results.
What should I eat after Pilates? ›- A chicken and quinoa salad.
- A turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread.
- Salmon with roasted vegetables.
- Greek yogurt with berries.
Once a week is not ideal, but you will see some benefits regardless. You will will learn the exercises and gain some confidence in creating access to your core support. If you continue working out once a week for several months, you will begin to create some change in your movement patterns.
Can you see results doing Pilates once a week? ›This work has revealed that Pilates training only once a week, over a relatively short 10-week period, results in significant improvements in skeletal muscle mass, flexibility, balance, core- and abdominal muscle strength, body awareness, and negative affect.
How many Pilates classes make a difference a week? ›3-4 classes per week is ideal for someone who wants the strength benefits of Pilates as it will provide your body with enough stimulus for the muscles to get stronger, leading to improvements in posture and fewer general aches and pains.