Pilates as Way of Life

Pilates has been popular these days with over 11 million practitioners and nearly 14,000 qualified instructors in the United States alone. Pilates goes way back to 20^th century as designed by Joseph Pilates. It was then designed to rehabilitate bedridden and immobile patients during World War 1. Then he incorporated some principles that support his philosophy that mental and physical health is intertwined. The practice includes concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movement.

Pilates’ discipline

The routine of Pilates mostly involves in body conditioning that builds flexibility and strengthen endurance in the muscles. It actually tones muscles, especially in the core. It provides emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, it conforms long and lean muscles in the legs, arms, hips, and back. Pilates also improves coordination and balance. This routine is considered as a way of life because of the association of the body and mind. Through this, proper breathing is required to be able to awaken dormant muscles and brain cells.

It relieves stress in such a way; you are required to stay focus on your breathing and movement. This routine is also applicable to everyone; even a pregnant woman can do a Pilates exercise because it does not restrain the muscles. The routine can be done in two ways. One is through mat exercises that require a floor mat and training. The routines are designed to use the body weight as resistance. The other type is through the use of various machines that tones and strengthens the body using the principles of resistance. The series of mat exercise are focused on the torso which is based on some concepts of yoga and Chinese martial arts.

Pilates and the works

Pilates is also known as the art of control since movements are slow and should coordinate well with your breathing, hence concentration is important. With proper breathing, optimal circulation of oxygen to the blood vessels up to the tissues of the body is achieved. It is also important to be precise in developing each exercise as this is one of the key principles of Pilates. A common saying for the routine is “It is not how many, but how.” This routine does not require many repetitions. 

Doing the exercises also develops gracefulness of the flow of every execution of one exercise. Here are some guidelines that I would like to share when doing this type of exercise. On top of the list is to stay focus during the session. Concentrate to the whole exercise as this can relax your body and your mind. When you are on your way for a session, wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the exercise. Don’t forget to bring in the right equipment. You should be comfortable when executing the routines. There is no need to wear any footwear. If ever you feel any discomfort, you may consult your doctor about it before pursuing to your next session. 

Remember that this routine requires slow movements, so just stay with the flow. And because of that, you may want to pair your routines with some aerobic exercise. You can go out swimming or go jogging. For beginners, always start at your own pace. 

Look for routines that are suitable for you. There are many instructional materials available, like video tutorials or you can get your own personal trainer. As you slowly work on your way out from one session to another, you will slowly notice some changes. You will have good posture and feel even better about your body. One more thing, always make sure of that to whatever exercise or routine you are in to, and remember to always enjoy it. As with the discipline that you will carry on through, I am sure that you will definitely find fulfillment in Pilates.