In a world where everything was fine, Pilates would be the national sport. Indeed, this discipline, halfway between soft gym and yoga, is a rich and complete method , which can suit everyone as the spectrum of its exercises is wide.
Between stretching, breathing, flexibility, concentration, there are many key words to define the Pilates method, and the benefits that this technique brings to our body and our physical condition.
Generally, while individual sessions last between 55 and 60 minutes, we quickly realize that Pilate is a complete discipline, which combines mind, spirit and body. A true way of life which, if not practiced by all, has many health and fitness benefits.
But, basically, what is Pilates, this method that is talked about so much all over the world? Well, that’s what we’re going to see together!
What is the History of Yoga Pilates?
The origin and history of yoga Pilates is, in fact, quite recent, since it begins at the beginning of the 20th century. Created by Joseph Pilates, who gave it his name (well done!), the Pilates method is first and foremost the creation of an accomplished athlete.
Indeed, after having practiced many activities such as the gym, boxing, yoga paris , or skiing, Joseph Pilates develops his own method, inspired by his own influences. These are the beginnings of the Pilates method, which he then called “Contrology” ( Contrology , in English therefore!).
Mr. Pilates therefore develops all these muscle strengthening and breathing movements on the ground imprisoned in a detention camp. His first guinea pigs seem to be conquered by the awareness that the method gives birth to, and by the improvement of their physical condition through regular practice. Pilates was born!
It was in New York, in the United States, that Joseph Pilates moved with his family, and opened his first Pilates studio. Success is there, so much so that, even after his death, his students will continue to keep the discipline alive, between physical exercise and gentle method.
Nowadays, therefore, Pilates is a discipline that has become more popular outside the United States, and is recognized worldwide . Between Nantes yoga practice , soft gym and dance at certain times, the Joseph Pilates method continues to be talked about, so much so that today there are more than 30,000 practitioners per year in the world!
What are the Benefits of Yoga Pilates?
To better understand and assimilate the benefits of Pilates on our body and our physical condition, we must first look at the principle on which this sporting activity is based. The latter is based on simple but fundamental principles in everyday life: the body, the spirit, the mind.
It is the combination of these three concepts that will allow us to practice Pilates, and will be able to act on back pain, lengthen the silhouette, relax, sculpt, give our body additional flexibility, or even realize that you can breathe mindfully.
Among the benefits, therefore, we can cite flexibility, which is a pillar of discipline. Indeed, while we will be able to make all our limbs more flexible, we will, at the same time, gain in harmony, and become more aware of our body. Like what, gaining flexibility, it facilitates many things in life!
But that’s not all ! To this flexibility will be added a better coordination of the body , the limbs, and, ultimately, of each movement. A kind of gentle gymnastics, for pregnant women as well as for professional yogis, which will contribute to the proper functioning of our muscle groups. Because yes, to take a Pilates class, there’s nothing like being coordinated in your movements, and that’s what this discipline will teach us. True centering!
As we said earlier, the Pilates method also helps reduce back pain , or all the back difficulties that our body can cause us to suffer. A more aligned spine, supported by muscle strengthening to tone up , and the alignment of the back seems sharper thanks to Pilates!
But this method also makes it possible to reduce stress , and to act considerably on this problem, via our posture, our breathing and, more generally, thanks to our instructor. Optimal stress management , which only works if we apply the advice well and follow each exercise well.
The Pilates method has more than one string to its bow, and is also a good way to build muscle through gentle gymnastics. Indeed, muscle building is practiced in many exercises, and the abdominal belt is only seen more sheathed. A tone at the rendezvous, which will guarantee a flat stomach, a revitalized abdominal strap, and, quite simply, a better self-image, more toned!
Basic Pilates Exercises!
So, of course, when we talk about Pilates, it is sometimes difficult to imagine the exercises that are linked to this discipline, this technique, this method. Far from being a series of postures without real interest, this sport is actually a good way to work most parts of the body , between the muscles and the abs and buttocks.
There are therefore basic Pilates exercises , among the more than 500 that exist and which are linked to this method. Enough to work all parts of the body , and to link it all to deep cardio, abdominal muscles, or even the feeling of well-being.
The crossed abs are a fairly basic exercise in Pilates, which allow, by means of a competitive tone, to practice a kind of dynamic reindeer yoga at the same time, and to contribute greatly to the strengthening of our abdominal muscles and avoid the relaxation of our muscle tone, again!
We can also mention the reversed bridge which, if we manage to do it correctly, will refine the thighs , and make our silhouette more toned , more slender, and perhaps thinner. This exercise also works on body posture, so as to make it more harmonious, as well as pure and hard physical training, because yes, Pilates is sport!
The leg lift is a Pilates exercise that will allow us to have prettier buttocks . By “prettier buttocks”, we therefore mean firmer, more muscular women , worthy of those of a sports coach. Thanks to regular practice , Pilates exercises like this, if they seem like nothing, will allow us to rebalance my body and make it more athletic, like in the gym!
Let’s also mention the stretched arms plank , which, as its name suggests, turns out to be a complicated exercise to perform, but very effective. Always with the aim of sheathing the muscles of the body , especially the abdominals, this exercise is a real asset if you manage to practice it effectively and regularly, and also allows you to work on my body’s breathing .
What are the Main Principles of the Pilates Method?
Most disciplines focused on well-being do not always have well-established values , principles and codes that we all master. But precisely, it could be interesting to look at the main principles of Pilates , to get to know this technique better .
First of all, the Pilates method allows a gentle strengthening of body and mind. Thanks to breathing and multiple exercises for muscle strengthening or gym yoga nantes , this sport is complete, without being violent. It then gives us the impression of toning up, while cultivating its well-being capital and its inner garden.
One of the pillars of Pilates is also breathing , the keystone of the effectiveness of its practice. This method therefore allows you to focus your breathing on what you want, and thus to take possession and awareness of your body to the maximum, in the success of your exercises. A real advantage for getting to know each other!
We said it earlier, but Pilates also has the fundamental principle of combining body, mind and spirit. A shock trio, guided by breathing exercises, sports exercises and muscle strengthening that will allow the regular and daily practice of such a sport, a bit like yoga finally.
One of the main anchors of Pilates is centering , also called “powerhouse” by Joseph Pilates. This is the part of the body that is located between the chest and the pelvis, which we will work a maximum with the sequence of exercises. The key: better stabilization , ideal control , and optimal coordination of movements.
In short, Pilates is this complete and rich discipline, which combines many timeless values, and effective for all! What are we waiting for to test?
