The Pilates workout system is one the most effective and fast-working exercise programs out there. Today, many places like schools, community centers, gyms etc. hold Pilates courses and the reason for this widespread acceptance of Pilates is that it focuses on strengthening and toning different muscle groups at the same time and because users who have practiced Pilates have experienced amazing results in a short period of time.
Apart from being the surname of its inventor, Pilates is also short for Proximal Integrating Latent Agile Toning Exercise. The Pilates workout is a systematic set of exercises which are designed to develop the powerhouse of your body, through breathing, strengthening, stretching and balancing. Although it is a strenuous activity for short periods of time, it isn’t a cardiovascular workout and doesn’t put too much pressure on the cardiovascular system. This means that Pilates is an ideal form of exercise for people of all fitness levels.
The history of Pilates goes back to the Second World War when the inventor, Joseph Pilates, who was an intern at an English hospital, created a machine out of springs and defunct hospital beds to help wounded soldiers recuperate and regain and maintain their fitness levels. Born in 1880 in Germany, Joseph Pilates moved to New York in 1926, bringing with him his then-new exercise techniques and termed it as Pilates. And the rest, as they say, is history.
As mentioned earlier, a Pilates workout brings together the combined effect of breathing techniques and special stretches on Pilates equipment. To this effect, Pilates maybe compared to Yoga, but at the same time, it is far more dynamic than Yoga in nature. When using a Pilates machine, the exerciser is put through systematic motions while keeping the torso stationary and stretching the limbs in different directions. Doing so makes the core of the body more flexible and stronger.
The Pilates workout is an extremely beneficial form of exercise and thousands of people have experienced amazing results just by spending a few minutes doing Pilates each day. Many individuals report that doing Pilates makes their bodies better toned, stronger and more balanced unlike other exercises. Other benefits associated with Pilates include weight loss, heightened energy levels and a great overall feeling. Pilates is also a good way for injured athletes to train while recovering. It’s also an ideal workout plan for older people or pregnant women as it isn’t as strenuous as other exercises such as a cardiovascular workout. However, one must not forget, that despite all its benefits, a Pilates workout is a great supplement to any exercise plan, including aerobics and cardio, but it cannot be treated as a single workout plan on its own.
