The invention of Pilates by German physical trainer Joseph Hubertus Pilates dates back to the 1920s, but the mind-body exercise has reached new heights of popularity in recent years.
As people seek new ways to stay healthy, Pilates has emerged as a holistic exercise method that combines breath awareness and spinal alignment with deep core strength and flexibility.
The rise of Pilates as a fitness trend has sparked a boom in the Pilates industry, with new Pilates schools and classes popping up everywhere and dozens of Pilates influencers using the terms “Pilates girly” and “Pilates mom” on social media. We are spreading it.
However, although the majority of people who practice Pilates are women, men are also starting to take up Pilates. On TikTok, male fitness influencers have begun posting videos of themselves trying Pilates and being shocked at how hard the workout actually is.
Pilates can be practiced on a mat or using a reformer machine. The former is much more accessible and requires little equipment other than a mat and, for some exercises, a Pilates ring, Pilates ball, resistance bands, and small weight bands.
Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, is a more intense and dynamic form of Pilates. This is a machine that uses springs to create a sense of tension, and is designed to allow for harder work.
Why is Pilates so popular now?
Victoria Repa, a certified Pilates instructor and CEO and founder of health and wellness platform BetterMe, says Pilates is now one of the most popular workouts among her business’s more than 150 million users. It’s one.
She told Yahoo UK that she believes there are several factors contributing to the growing popularity of this particular activity.
“First of all, it’s changed the way people look at working out,” Lepa said. “We’re moving away from a sole focus on ‘getting leaner quickly’ or ‘gaining muscle’ and towards a holistic approach to health.
“Pilates is therefore perfectly aligned with this trend. Its focus on core strength, flexibility and body awareness resonates with those seeking a well-rounded fitness routine. ”
Pilates is a very accessible method of working out as it is suitable for people of all fitness levels and ages. There are many other variations besides Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates. For example, the BetterMe platform has over 15 different Pilates workouts, from wall Pilates to core Pilates to full-body HIIT Pilates.
Celebrities have also jumped on the Pilates bandwagon, making it even more popular. “While some celebrities work out to reformers, others demonstrate Pilates at home,” says Lepa. “Matwork exercises done properly can be just as effective as machine-based Pilates. “This powerful practice will be available to everyone.”
Is Pilates something everyone can do?
At the moment, Pilates seems to be more popular among women than men. This may be because Pilates is often portrayed in advertising and media as being practiced by mostly female customers.
But men have always benefited from Pilates, too. In fact, it was used after World War I as a means of physical rehabilitation for injured soldiers. A program developed by the Royal Danish Ballet Foundation also used Pilates to rehabilitate soldiers injured in combat in Afghanistan.
Lepa further added, “Pilates was originally invented for rehabilitation, but has evolved into a comprehensive training method for both body and mind. It is adaptable to different fitness levels and is low-risk. It is available to everyone,” he added.
What are the benefits of practicing Pilates?
Some people may think that Pilates is suitable for young and flexible people, but you may be surprised to find that Pilates has great benefits no matter your age.
A study of middle-aged women published in 2022 found that women who participated in a 12-week Pilates program significantly improved their weight, metabolic rate, and functional fitness levels.
The results also suggested that Pilates “can improve cardiovascular fitness, regardless of health status.” Participants with chronic lower back pain also saw improvements in pain, flexibility, and balance.
“Both types of Pilates (mat and equipment) may improve lower and upper extremity muscle strength, aerobic endurance, lower and upper extremity flexibility, and agility in older women,” the study authors wrote. I concluded.
Repa added that Pilates “targets all major muscle groups while also hitting key areas that tend to sag, such as the arms, abdomen, and buttocks.”
“Pilates incorporates a combination of strength training and flexibility exercises that can improve muscle tone, increase overall strength, and strengthen body contour.”
She recommends practicing Pilates every day to get the most out of its physical benefits, but this doesn’t mean attending an hour-long class every day.
“I’m convinced that even a short 10-minute Pilates routine every day can make a huge difference,” she says.
“It’s also important to remember that time is not the main indicator of results, as there are many different types of Pilates, each catering to different fitness goals and levels. Just 10 to 15 minutes of effort can be just as effective, but with consistency and mindfulness.”
However, a 2016 study found that practicing Pilates even once a week improved body awareness and increased muscle mass, balance, flexibility, and core and abdominal strength after just 10 weeks. got it.
So, if you want to start practicing Pilates once a week, you can see significant improvements in your physical and mental health in just a few weeks.
WATCH: Everything this Pilates instructor does before teaching a morning class
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