No sport? Not at all! Pilates has been around for almost 100 years and has been making a real comeback since 2023. The gentle strength training targets the deep muscles and strengthens, stabilizes and moves! Stefanie Rahn, President of the German Pilates Association, tells us how beginners can get into the trend and what mistakes they should avoid at all costs.
How would you describe Pilates to newcomers?
Pilates is an effective full-body workout and specifically strengthens the deep core muscles. It promotes strength, flexibility, coordination and self-awareness. The exercises create a completely new body awareness for correct upright posture of the spine, a relaxed shoulder and neck area and for the interplay of breathing and movement, tension and relaxation.
What are the main advantages of Pilates exercises compared to other forms of exercise?
Pilates has established itself worldwide as a training method because it
- offers an optimal mix of strengthening, stability and flexibility
- offers a wide range of possible applications: Whether to balance out everyday office life, as injury prevention for athletes, or even after pregnancy, for example
- Exercised regularly, it improves movement and posture habits and helps to improve body awareness, a healthy back and a good figure.
However, the fundamental difference to other functional training is the use of specially developed equipment that constantly challenges coordination and stability through spring resistance.
Who is Pilates particularly suitable for?
Pilates is aimed at anyone
- who are looking for an effective sport to stay healthy, fit and flexible - regardless of age
- who are looking for a perfect balance to their hobby or competitive sport in order to stay active for as long as possible.
- who need a suitable method for their rehabilitation, which can initially be carried out under targeted, professional guidance on equipment or on the floor with small equipment and later on independently at home.
What are suitable exercises to start with Pilates?
Please always do your first exercises with a certified trainer. This way you can be sure that you are starting with exercises that are suitable for you and at the right level of difficulty. The Pilates equipment is particularly suitable for beginners as it offers optimum support.
What are the most common mistakes in Pilates training and how can they be avoided?
In most cases, a well-guided Pilates class will always do you good. Mistakes happen when you do untrained exercises from magazines or videos without knowing the Pilates basics and training principles. So always invest in a good trainer. You only have one body!
How can Pilates help to improve posture and balance?
Pilates has established itself worldwide as a training method because it offers an optimal mix of strengthening, stability and flexibility. It promotes an upright posture through a stable body center and stimulates the muscles and joints without one-sided strain. Better body awareness can also improve balance.
What role does Pilates also play for the 'mind'?
Pilates is characterized by the "balance of body and mind". This is anchored in the traditional Pilates principles. In addition to the principles of control, breathing and centering, these are: concentration, precision and flow of movement. These principles make the training holistic and therefore highly effective.
How has Pilates training developed in recent years and what trends are emerging?
Firstly, the integration of technology: as in many other areas of fitness and health, Pilates training has also benefited from technological advances. There are now many apps, online courses and videos that offer Pilates exercises and programs. These allow people to train at home or on the go and track their progress. These online offerings should be seen as a supplement to training with a certified trainer. A good foundation is only possible in presence and with tactile support, i.e. with helping hands from the trainer.
Emphasis on mental health: In addition to the physical benefits, awareness of the effects of Pilates on mental health has increased. Pilates is increasingly seen as a holistic method that reduces stress, increases body awareness and promotes mental relaxation. The classic Pilates principles of concentration/attention are becoming more and more important these days.
Probably the most important development, however, is the rapid increase in reformer training in Germany. More and more Pilates studios are offering training on Pilates equipment, especially on the Reformer.
Source: FIBO
Image source: #85621309 Flamingo Images / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 24 July 2023