What is pilates?
It is a physical exercise practice or method created by Joseph Pilates at the beginning of the 20th century. Pilates encompasses different goals and works on different areas, including strength, flexibility, balance, and body posture.
In its beginnings, pilates focused on primarily strengthening and developing core strength and stability. Over the years, it has evolved and incorporated other approaches. Today, it is an activity practiced by millions of people. It is increasingly common to find specialized centers dedicated to it, as well as different classes in gyms, sports centers, etc.
Pilates is suitable for all types of people, ages, and physical conditions. In many cases, practicing it is even recommended as part of the recovery from an injury, with the aim of strengthening and restoring physical condition.
What types of pilates are there? What are their differences?
Pilates, like any discipline, has evolved since its beginnings in order to offer a variety of styles and approaches adapted to different needs and preferences. Some of the most common types are the following:
Mat Pilates
The traditional and most commonly practiced form. As its name suggests, it is performed on the floor using a mat. Body weight itself is the main tool. This type of pilates focuses on improving flexibility, balance, and core strength.
Sometimes accessories such as resistance bands, balls, or even rings can be used to achieve greater intensity in the exercises.
Aerial Pilates:
A less common way of practicing this discipline, but with a somewhat more fun and unconventional approach. Aerial pilates is performed using a hammock, also called a swing, which allows exercises to be performed in the air. It incorporates elements of acrobatics.
Aquatic Pilates:
Aquatic pilates is performed inside a pool. Water is the main element that provides the resistance with which we work all the muscles in the body, in a gentler, low-impact way. It is ideal due to its low impact for people with injuries or joint problems.
Reformer Pilates:
As you can see in the image below, this type of pilates is performed using a sliding platform called a reformer. This platform can be adjusted to provide greater or lesser resistance.
This type of pilates allows you to practice a wider and more complete range of movements. There are other types of machines, but the reformer is the most common.
What are the benefits of pilates?
- Improved body posture: thanks to the work of the central muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes, we will improve body alignment and help prevent poor posture. As a result, the risk of pain, tension, and strain associated with poor body posture is reduced.
- Improved mobility and flexibility: A large number of exercises focus on stretching and lengthening the muscles, improving range of motion.
- Core strengthening: improving the body’s stability and balance.
- Improved strength and muscle tone: thanks to working all muscle groups, it will help us gain strength in both the large muscles and the stabilizing muscles.
- Injury rehabilitation: pilates is ideal for recovering from injuries, as the exercises can be adapted to be gentler or more specific according to individual needs, helping us restore muscle function and mobility safely and effectively.
How can you start practicing it?
To start practicing pilates, choose the type you want to begin with. Depending on which one you choose, you can practice it at home, as there are courses and videos you can use to get started, or attend in-person classes. To begin, plan which days of the week you are going to practice this discipline. In addition, it is important to pay attention to your body and avoid forcing any movement.
As a tip, attending in person, especially at the beginning, is one of the most effective ways to learn the movements correctly and thus prevent injuries.
The basic equipment you need to get started (if you have chosen mat pilates) is to purchase a mat. You can do so at any sports store. As for clothing, comfortable clothes are sufficient. Choose garments that allow you to move freely.