No sport? As if! 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 also access the trend and which mistakes they should avoid at all costs.
How do you describe Pilates to newcomers?
Pilates is an effective whole-body workout and specifically strengthens the deep torso muscles. It promotes strength, flexibility, coordination and self-awareness. The exercises create a whole new body awareness for correct upright posture of the spine, a relaxed shoulder-neck area and for the interaction of breathing and movement, tension and relaxation.
What are the main advantages of Pilates exercises compared to other forms of training?
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 the office routine, as injury prevention for athletes, or, for example, after pregnancy.
- Regularly practiced, the movement and posture habits improved and helps to more body awareness, a healthy back and a good figure.
The basic difference to other functional trainings, however, is the use of specially developed equipment, which constantly demands coordination and stability through spring resistance.
For whom is Pilates particularly suitable?
Pilates is aimed at anyone,
- who are looking for an effective sport to stay healthy, fit and agile - completely independent of age
- who are looking for a perfect balance to their hobby or competitive sports in order to stay active for as long as possible.
- who need a suitable method for their rehabilitation, which can first be carried out under targeted, professional guidance on equipment, or on the floor with small equipment, as well as later independently at home.
What are suitable exercises to start with Pilates?
Please always do the first exercises with a certified trainer. This way you can be sure that you start with the exercises that are suitable for you and the appropriate level of difficulty. Especially for beginners, Pilates equipment is excellent because it provides the optimal support.
What are the most common mistakes in Pilates training, and how can they be avoided?
A well-guided Pilates class will always do you good in most cases. Mistakes happen when you are unpracticed doing exercises from magazines or videos without knowing the Pilates basics and the training principles. Therefore, always invest in a good trainer. You only have one body!
How can Pilates help improve posture and balance?
Pilates has established itself worldwide as a training method because it offers an optimal blend of strengthening, stability and flexibility. It promotes an upright posture through a stable body center and stimulates the muscles and joints without one-sided stress. Balance can also be improved through better body awareness.
What role does Pilates also play for the 'mind'?
A characteristic of Pilates is 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. With these principles, the training becomes holistic and therefore highly effective.
How has Pilates training developed in recent years, and what trends are emerging?
First, the integration of technology: as in many other areas of fitness and health, Pilates training has benefited from technological advances. There are now many apps, online courses and videos that offer Pilates exercises and programs. These allow people to work out at home or on the go and track their progress. These online offerings should be viewed as a supplement to training with a certified instructor. A good foundation is only possible in presence and with tactile support, i.e., helping hands from the trainer.
Emphasis on mental health: In addition to the physical benefits, awareness of Pilates' impact on mental health has expanded. Pilates is increasingly viewed as a holistic method that reduces stress, increases body awareness and promotes mental relaxation. The classic Pilates principles of concentration/awareness are becoming increasingly important in today's world.
Probably the most important development, however, is the rapid rise of Reformer training in Germany. More and more Pilates studios offer training on Pilates equipment, especially on the Reformer.
Source: FIBO
Image Source: #85621309 Flamingo Images / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 24 July 2023