Pilates is an exercise technique that strengthens the core muscles, improves posture and builds lean, flexible muscle. It’s a great way to add a low-impact workout to your fitness routine or to help you recover from injuries and prevent further injury.
Developed by Joseph Pilates, born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880, the exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles to realign and tone the body. He believed that by making the core — or deep abdominal muscles, ribcage and pelvic floor — strong while toning other muscles and promoting flexibility, people would overcome many health issues.
The pilates workout is performed either on a mat or on specialized equipment like the Pilates Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table and Stability Chair(tm). It consists of exercises that target both large muscle movers and small stabilizing muscles. It’s a gentle exercise that requires no jumping or strenuous movements and can be performed by all age groups, from young children to seniors.
In addition to building strength and creating long, lean muscles, pilates helps reduce back pain and improves posture. This is because Pilates teaches you to engage the core muscles and helps you become aware of your postural problems. It also teaches you to stabilize and support your core with each movement, a sign of true core strength (1).
While some of the movements may not look challenging at first, they’ll get more difficult as you progress in class. It’s important to be able to identify any problem areas in your body and ask for modifications when necessary. It’s also important to note the difference between flexibility and mobility, and that it’s not a good idea to work your muscles to the point of pain or discomfort.