Created in the mid-1920s, Pilates is a method that encourages the use of the mind to control the body. The German Joseph Pilates, its creator, believed in Contrology, a concept that advocates conscious control of the body.
Thus, Pilates exercises focus on the body’s core muscles, those that help maintain balance and support the spine. The technique teaches breathing perception and body alignment, strengthening the deeper muscles of the trunk, an important area for relieving and preventing health problems, such as back pain.
Find out below the main benefits and why you should do Pilates, this almost century-old method.
1. Increases balance
Joseph Pilates’ first clients were dancers looking to improve their posture and have more control over their movements. Through hundreds of specific movements, the technique helped them to have an even better posture for the difficult task of carrying their body weight on their toes.
For you, who are probably not a professional dancer, Pilates can help you have better posture and, above all, increase your balance. Scientific evidence indicates that Pilates improves stability and helps the person who practices it to have more firmness in their movements, which is important to prevent falls, especially in the elderly.
2. Improves physical and mental conditioning
If your goal is to lose weight and maintain good shape, Pilates can also be a great ally. After all, the quality of exercise and diet you follow matters much more than the quantity of activity, researchers say . Therefore, it is important to choose carefully what type of exercise you are going to do.
Pilates is a great alternative for those who hate the gym, for example. Much more dynamic and fun, it focuses on posture, body elasticity and breathing. In addition to bringing firmness to the muscles, it helps to calm the mind and slow down the pace of everyday life.
3. Relieves back pain
Another great benefit of Pilates over other exercises is disease prevention and pain relief. Low back pain and neck pain , for example, affect people of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly, and are one of the main causes that keep the adult population away from work. To avoid the problem, Pilates works the muscles that support the spine, making them stronger and more resistant.
Experts estimate that between 50% and 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. In general, men aged between 45 and 54 are most at risk of developing the problem. However, with society’s increasingly sedentary routine, this age has been reduced, and anyone can fall victim to these disabling pains.
4. Can be done in groups
Now that you know why you should do Pilates, this complete training of muscular strength, body awareness and muscle balance, it’s time to learn more about how to practice it.
Pilates classes are generally offered by physiotherapy clinics, gyms or clubs, with qualified professionals to help you get the most out of the exercise. At least two sessions per week are recommended, and prices vary greatly.
One of the great advantages is that it can be carried out collectively , that is, it is a great way to practice socialization and make new friends , even in the adult phase of life. For those who prefer to be alone, the exercise can also be done individually.
5. It is suitable for all ages
Another characteristic is that Pilates can be practiced by everyone: adults, teenagers, children or the elderly. This is because it is a highly adaptable and non-aggressive activity for the body. Whether you are sedentary, just starting to exercise, or an elite athlete, this exercise applies to you.
The integrative approach to body and mind makes Pilates accessible to everyone. For pregnant women, it is a very suitable exercise, as it helps to improve mental health and reduce period pain.
6. It can be done with or without devices
Finally, Pilates can be practiced both with the equipment created by Joseph Pilates and in the modality known as solo or mat Pilates.
In the case of devices, you will have the help of springs, handles and the anatomy of the instruments themselves, which help in carrying out the method. There are more than a hundred possible variations of exercises with Pilates equipment.
In the solo or mat version , you will do less acrobatic exercises (such as hanging, performing somersaults or turning upside down). Even so, it will be possible to strengthen the main areas worked in Pilates: chest, shoulders, spine, hips, glutes and abdomen.
Regardless of the chosen version of the method, the muscles will be activated and strengthened with Pilates, always being worked progressively in increasingly complex and dynamic movements.
So, even if you choose Pilates on equipment or solo, individually or in a group, this technique will bring a series of benefits. After all, keeping the body active is always the best form of treatment and prevention for any disease. Who doesn’t want health and well-being, right?