PILATES FRENZY: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body.” - Joseph Pilates. Lori Harvey credited pilates for her her rock solid abs last spring!
Shortly after, TikTok users lost their marbles in trendifyifng the fitness practice with micro-trends ranging from “Pink pilates princess” to “Rich Suburban mom” and “Almond mom” core. It’s almost impossible to keep up with these weekly personality swaps. While I want to preface this by saying I'm all for experimenting and trying new things however, don’t be dense — as there is much to learn from exploring hobbies for your wellbeing rather than what is currently trending.
I’m a wellness junkie and I am always open to trying anything once especially when it’s that is backed up by research and provides unparalleled benefits to the psyche. I started practicing pilates exactly 2 years ago. While the group fitness class can be seen as a “trendy” rich mom activity. There are many layers to the practice itself which teaches you discipline, structure, mindfulness and most importantly has many health benefits such as treating lower back pain/ muscle recovery. Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates method in the early 20th century as a way to improve his own health and fitness. He was a sickly child and suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, so he turned to exercise and physical activity to strengthen his body. He later used his method to train German soldiers during World War I. After the war, Pilates moved to New York City and opened a studio where he began teaching his method to dancers, including those from the New York City Ballet. Over time, the method gained popularity among the city's elite, and eventually, it spread to Southern California where it attracted Hollywood stars and other wealthy individuals.
This is a common trend with studio-based workouts, where certain methods or classes become associated with a particular demographic or level of affluence. However, people who practice pilates are generally down to earth people & it is a very welcoming community. It’s not uncommon to find yourself bonding with people prior to class and we encourage each other to keep going even when the movements get hard because it fosters competition in a healthy manner.** Furthermore, the cost of membership may vary by cities but range between $109 to $249/monthly so keep in mind that it isn’t a membership you can pay for and not use
1 YEAR RESULT FROM DOING PILATES 2X A WEEK
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles while also improving flexibility and overall body alignment. The exercises in Pilates are designed to be slow and controlled, which helps to build strength and tone muscles without putting excess stress on the joints. It is not a weight loss substitute if your diet is still unbalanced as a healthy diet is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Many Pilates practitioners also find that the focus on mindfulness and breath work can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity, which can have a positive impact on overall well-being. Additionally, the ability to modify exercises and use specialized equipment means that it can be practiced throughout a lifetime, making it a sustainable and valuable investment.
Yoga and Pilates are interlinked and complement each other really well and while both practices have their unique benefits and can be complementary to each other, they do have some differences in terms of the types of movements and exercises involved. Yoga tends to focus more on stretching and relaxation, while Pilates emphasizes core strength and stability. Both practices can be a valuable part of a well-rounded fitness routine, and choosing between them will depend on individual goals, preferences, and needs.
Personally, some of the cosmetic benefits I noticed as a result of practicing pilates include :
Increased muscle tone: Pilates exercises target the deep muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis, which can help create a more toned and defined appearance.
Better body awareness: Pilates can help you become more in tune with your body, which can help you make better choices about nutrition and exercise.
Improved flexibility: Pilates exercises can improve flexibility and range of motion, which can make you appear more graceful and agile.
Reduced stress: Pilates can be a relaxing and calming form of exercise, which can help reduce stress and promote a more youthful appearance.
Improved circulation: Pilates exercises can increase blood flow to the skin, which can promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
Improved posture: Pilates can help align the spine and improve posture, which can make you appear taller and more confident.
Clothes fitting better : By targeting the deep muscles of the core, Pilates can help create a leaner, more streamlined silhouette which can also lead to improved body composition and a more toned appearance, which can result in clothes fitting better
So, if you're looking for a low-impact, mindful form of exercise that can help you feel and look your best, Pilates is definitely worth considering.
