Pilates has become an increasingly popular form of exercise thanks to social media.
However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this workout, so Gemma Folkado, founder of popular Pilates platform and community Shape Pilates, has debunked them once and for all.
Pilates is for flexible people
People often think that Pilates requires flexibility, but that’s not true.
“Pilates is where you regain your flexibility!” says Gemma. “Practice regularly to build strength, mobility, and flexibility. All movements involve a combination of stretching and strength, so warm up and stretch at the end of class. You don’t have to. It’s all part of the action.”
Pilates is for women only
Pilates has become popular because anyone can easily try it.
“Pilates is for every body. Pilates was invented by a man named Joseph Pilates, who was a boxer and bodybuilder,” experts point out. “Increasing strength in the powerhouses of your abdomen, hips, and inner thighs is extremely beneficial for explosive movements and injury prevention.”
Pilates requires equipment
Pilates can be done at home with just a mat, so it’s easy to do.
“It’s common to see people on social media using Reformer machines or hanging upside down in Cadillacs, but this isn’t the only form of Pilates,” Gemma explains. “The matwork repertoire was created by Joseph Pilates to fit into the daily lives of people everywhere.”
Pilates is just stretching
Pilates is more than just a series of simple stretches.
“Pilates will give you plenty of stretch, but it probably won’t be as good as you’d like and you might not even realize you’re stretching,” says Gemma. “Instead of isometric (static) stretching, Pilates offers a more dynamic method.
“Stretching in both directions requires a lot of strength and stability in the center of the body, making it a very difficult movement.”
Pilates is only for young people
Pilates is a comprehensive exercise because it can be tailored to suit you.
Experts say, “Pilates supports all seasons of life, from childhood to adolescence, before and after childbirth, through menopause, and into old age.It is rooted in rehabilitation and uses six principles of breathing and control. We are prepared.” , concentration, centering, flow, precision, etc. You can adjust the exercises according to your age, body type, and ability. ”
