Let’s start with the simple basic question: What is Pilates?
Pilates is a Low-Impact exercise that involves control movements that enhance balance, mobility, flexibility, core strength, and much more. The focus is on smaller deeper muscles that support the framework of your body. Pilates is a type of mind-body workout that can be tailored to a spectrum of fitness goals, age, and ability. It emphasizes breathwork and the mind-body connection.
Pilates was formed by Joseph Pilates in the 20th century. He developed this form of exercise to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening the body alignment, improving balance, and increasing core strength. Pilates started with mat work and apparatus used to perform the exercises followed by today’s popular Pilates reformer. Eventually, Joseph Pilates created other apparatus as well like the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, high “electric” chair, spine corrector, and many more.
Emerging Trends in Pilates
Pilates is a workout enjoyed by all ages of life, teens as well as seniors. Though Pilates has been around for a while, emerging trends tend to give it a whole new look and feel. Let’s look at some such evolving trends In Pilates.
- Pilates Fusion:
Fusion classes are the new trend in Pilates, incorporating cardio and HIIT, attracting people who are looking to get the most out of their workout. The new trend is to add HIIT and Cardio intervals to get the heart pumping but in the Pilates way. Fusion classes are different from regular gym HIIT, Pilates apparatuses are used in various ways to help an individual get a good full-body workout.
- Mental-wellbeing:
Although this trend has been there before, it has increased in popularity in recent years. Stretch sessions on the reformer allow members to lessen their stiffness and feel a sense of relaxation all over. Pilates offers benefits such as lessening the stiffness in the body and reducing asymmetry often caused by daily stress, age, or sports. The perfect length for Pilates classes is 45 min.
- Pilates experience:
Pilates is no longer just about the workout of the trainer, it is more about the whole experience. Unlike a normal Gym, Pilates has turned into a whole VIBE. Pilate studios incorporate pumping music, fun lighting, dynamic instructions, and much more. Pilates Studios will continue upping their game in terms of overall Pilates experience.
Why is Pilates so Popular?
If the above reasons are not enough to convince you, let us tell you some more benefits of Pilates.
Pilates is an exercise that can be done by all regardless of age, gender, specialties, and fitness levels. It is a smart way to tone, strengthen your body, and get fit. What makes Pilates so popular? Its broad appeal, endless benefits and Pilates-based training innovations currently gaining momentum.
Let’s look into some science-backed ways Pilates can benefit you.
- Improve body awareness: the focus is on mindful movements and breathing which can prevent injuries and falls, particularly important as we age.
- Increases Mobility: Using slow and controlled movements to improve flexibility and strength in the muscles leading to increased mobility improves the movements in your joints.
- Reduce stress and Boosts Mood: Pilates is known to reduce daily stressors and enhance mood. Working out and sweating in a studio with pumping music and beautiful lighting along with the vibe tends to make people want to keep coming back for more. Studies show a good workout releases your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins.
- Perk up your posture: By working on the minute muscles in your body, giving you an amazing full-body workout, Pilates works on your postural muscles as well as bringing attention to your body alignment. Improved posture leads to reduced risk of headaches, and shoulder and back pain.
- Reduce the risk of injuries: Using strength-building exercises in Pilates helps to increase the support and stability of joints reducing the risk of injuries. This is particularly beneficial for sportsmen.
- Eases lower-back pain: Need a magic lotion for back pain? Try out pilates. As Pilates engages deep flow and pelvic muscles, it strengthens and stabilizes the back.
These are a few benefits from the many Pilates has to offer. This Increasingly Popular workout is an Exercise Blaster for your all-around fitness needs. The versatile quality of pilates may be its best asset for the future. Pilates continues to capture the audience with an inclusive nature and holistic approach.
Try out a Pilates session and see its many benefits for yourself. In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body! -Joseph Pilates.