Pilates: 5 reasons to start practicing as soon as possible

Pilates has become one of the most popular modalities in recent years, both for the diversity of exercises and for the benefits and advantages of the practice. Developed in the 1920s by the German Joseph Pilates, the set of exercises aims to connect body and mind and achieve balance.

Considered a more dynamic, light and suitable exercise for all ages, Pilates is highly recommended for anyone looking for an option to adopt physical exercises in their routine.

How does Pilates work?

Pilates’ biggest differential is the merge of different types of physical activity in a single workout. The practice of Pilates includes bodybuilding exercises, stretching, breathing, balance, etc. In addition to helping to eliminate fat, gain mass and increase resistance, this practice also includes several elements of physical therapy and has therapeutic purposes.

There are some devices suitable for this type of physical activity, such as the Reformer and the Cadillac, but many exercises can also be done with the support of simpler accessories, such as balls of various sizes, elastic bands, dumbbells, hula hoops and bars. Everything will depend on the space, knowledge, technique and creativity of both the student and the instructor.

And more important than devices and accessories, to have good results from the practice of Pilates, the student must first learn to control his mind and know his own body, as well as its capabilities and limitations. The sequence of exercises must be formulated by the instructor, prepared for it, who will build the most suitable training for each student profile, their individual characteristics and the clinical picture.

It is also natural that, with time and practice that the student is able to perform movements and exercises that he could not do before. That’s because Pilates should also develop strength and flexibility. Because of that, it is essential that the student is aware of the need for patience and constancy. Concentration, breath control and dedication are basic requirements for Pilates and is what allows the student to continue advancing and developing.

Want to know more about the advantages and benefits of Pilates? Check it out below!

1. Body awareness

One of the greatest advantages of Pilates is the development of body awareness that allows a deep and complete knowledge of one’s own body. And we are not just talking about appearance and visible characteristics, but also about the functioning of the organism, what can be considered a strength and has potential for evolution, but also what limits and needs a little more attention.

A person with body awareness not only feels more comfortable in their own body, but knows how to recognize when something is not right. It also helps us understand the signs our body gives us and understand when it’s time to change habits or seek help.

When body and mind work together, our health and well-being remain in balance.

2. Balance

And talking about balance, that’s another advantage of Pilates. Not just for the body awareness and concentration required for the practice and exercises, but for the formats and types of exercises. It’s necessary to develop and maintain balance in order to perform well in most of the proposed activities.

And it is clear that the student will not develop his own balance in the first class, this takes time and a lot of dedication. In addition, to maintain balance, it is also necessary to increase resistance, flexibility and body strength, also acquired during practice.

Did you manage to stay on the ball for almost a minute? Great! It’s always good to celebrate the small achievements and understand that you’re on the right path.

It gets better! That balance extends to your psychological health as well. In the practice of Pilates, it is not just about physical development.

3. Flexibility and resistance

When we talk about body and physical activity, flexibility indicates that an individual is able to move more easily, there are not as many limitations on the joints and greater freedom. As for resistance, in addition to helping to increase strength, it also indicates that the body “endures” the intensity of movements and physical exercises for much longer and at a much greater load.

With the work on strengthening muscles, mass gain and stretching, Pilates gives the practitioner these two capabilities.

4. Stress and anxiety management

Have you noticed how we seem more relaxed after practicing physical activity, even if we are physically tired? This happens because, when we exercise, our organism produces the endorphin hormone, which causes the feeling of pleasure and well-being. Very close to that feeling you get after devouring an entire box of chocolates.

Meanwhile, in addition to hormone production, putting our body in motion helps to relieve the tension accumulated by anxiety and stress of the day. Especially when we practice stretching, which helps a lot to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress, such as stiffness and joint pain.

Breathing control, acquired with Pilates, works very well during an anxiety attack, helping to control the heart rate and bringing oxygen to the brain. So how about trying Pilates as a complementary therapy?

5. Weight loss and lean mass gain

The accumulation of body fat should be a concern not only because of the weight, but because of all the harm it causes. According to an article published by Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, “the accumulation of fat in the body increases the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, sleep apnea, accumulation of fat in the liver, myocardial infarction, accidents stroke and may be associated with the emergence of some types of cancer.”

Therefore, eliminating fat and the process of healthy weight loss should not be seen as a strategy to get into those clothes you love so much or to enjoy the summer. When there is awareness of the importance of controlling body weight for one’s own health, this should always be the focus.

And for that, Pilates is among the best options. After all, the constant and disciplined practice of Pilates accelerates the process of losing weight, eliminating fat and gaining muscle mass. And all this in a very dynamic, relaxing way, combined with other benefits and advantages.

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