1 minute read
The Power of Pilates
STORY BY LESLIE STEVENSON
While Pilates is most popularly known for creating long, lean muscle, its benefits are more comprehensive than simply enhancing physical appearance. Pilates has countless benefits for mind and body; a few that can be highlighted include injury prevention, decreased stress, improved flexibility, mobility and balance.
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Contrary to popular belief, Pilates has not always been a female dominating practice. During the First World War, a young German man named Joseph Pilates was working as an orderly with patients that had trouble walking, which led to his idea to attach bed springs to the hospital beds as support to their limbs to help them recover their strength and mobility. After he and his wife immigrated to the United States in 1926, they continued their techniques in a body conditioning gym in New York. Word spread quickly of their success with rehabilitating athletes after injuries, making them popular among the dance community, with approximately 60% of their clientele being men. This method of strengthening one’s body with his created apparatus was originally named “Contrology”, however; after his death it was known as what we call it today, the Pilates Method.
Whether you are a professional athlete, starting out with your fitness journey or a veteran in the gym, keeping the body injury free is pertinent to reaching your health and fitness goals. Part of Pilates is learning how to control your muscles and achieve overall balance within your body. When all of your muscles are in tune and properly developed, you are less prone to injury while performing other daily activities or sports.
Practicing Pilates also decreases stress due to the controlled breathing techniques, low to no impact movements and overall exercise that releases natural endorphins in your body. Many people feel more energized rather than exhausted after Pilates thanks to these components.
Lastly, Pilates is beneficial as it aids in developing more flexibility and mobility. Not only should our muscles have flexibility for movement, they should be paired with mobility as it allows our body to have optimal range of motion at the joint.
No matter your goals, Pilates will be a beneficial addition to your wellness regimen and entirely deserving of your time and effort.
