Far from a new fitness trend, Pilates is an exercise method that was developed in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates. Originally a frail child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, Pilates used his physical limitations to his advantage by becoming a proficient gymnast, diver and skier. He was also a gifted boxer, judoka and dancer before founding his own method of body conditioning in New York.
Pilates exercises are low-impact and are performed slowly, focusing on precision and correct breathing. You’ll commonly hear your instructor cuing you to draw your belly button towards your spine to engage the core muscles, or breathe deeply into your lungs and exhale through the nose. This type of movement is a great way to help prevent injury by avoiding jerky movements that can cause joint and muscle strain.
In addition to the physical benefits of Pilates, it can reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. In a study, researchers found that just one session of Pilates improved the moods of participants and increased their feelings of self-confidence and positive energy, while decreasing negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
Whether you’re looking to try Pilates for the first time, or you’re an experienced practitioner, it’s important to start slow and work your way up to higher difficulty levels. This will give you a better chance to avoid injury, especially if you’re not used to doing this type of exercise. Your instructor should be able to help you modify your workout for any injuries or conditions you might have, so be sure to let them know what you’re working with before beginning your class.