Why try Pilates even if you feel it's not for you?
Are you struggling with a stubborn injury? Do you have chronic pain that makes everyday life difficult and training simply impossible? Do you have too many commitments to fit in daily workouts? Do you want to strengthen your core and muscles? Are you ready to see your body transform before your eyes?
If so, the answer is none other than Pilates!
Pilates has been around for nearly a hundred years, and although it was originally developed for men and athletes, today everyone can enjoy its lifelong benefits, regardless of gender, age, or fitness level. Yet, there are some who feel that Pilates is not for them. Many live under the misconception that a good workout is only one where we sweat profusely and where even getting out of bed afterwards is a challenge.
If you also have reservations about trying Pilates, then read on and let us change your mind.
Why is Pilates good?
- Prevents injuries.
Injuries can "take us out of commission" for weeks, months, or even years when it comes to sports and training. Many a promising career has been cut short by a treacherous ligament tear or other injury. How about an exercise that doesn't cause injuries, but protects you from them?
Well, that's Pilates. It focuses on the core, strengthening the abdominal and back muscles. Just think about how many times we use our core muscles daily – from getting out of bed, walking, bending, sitting, all the way until we lie back down in bed at the end of the day (and that's not even mentioning tossing and turning at night). If we sometimes notice our back aching, it's probably because our back muscles are weak. In such cases (too), it's worth trying Pilates, which, by strengthening the muscles, eliminates pain and makes us more resistant to injuries.
- It builds muscle, but we won't become "bulky".
Not everyone wants to look like bodybuilders or weightlifters. Not that there's anything wrong with how they look – it's just that some people want to build muscle differently. If you're one of them, try Pilates!
Pilates consists of exercises that continuously engage the core, resulting in a flat stomach and a strong back. While weightlifting usually shortens muscles and increases their volume, Pilates simultaneously works on strengthening and stretching the muscles. With Pilates, muscles become longer, leaner, more defined, and graceful.
- Increases coordination, flexibility, and balance.
We'll talk about the core again, as our coordination and balance also originate from here. The core muscles are responsible for balance and coordination, and Pilates, by strengthening these muscles, helps prevent falls. When we start to fall, we instinctively tense our abdominal muscles – this is how our body tries to regain balance. The stronger the core muscles, the more stable we can be.
Flexibility refers to the suppleness of muscles and tendons. Pilates makes us more flexible, thereby reducing the risk of muscle strains (or, in worse cases, muscle tears) (not to mention that doing the splits has always been a great party trick).
- Pilates is suitable for everyone.
Women, men, children, seniors, chronically ill people, athletes, dancers, expectant mothers. You can meet anyone in a Pilates class. Since it doesn't require jumping, everyone can safely perform Pilates exercises. It doesn't unnecessarily strain bones and joints, thus avoiding pain. We hardly feel the exertion, only its positive effects. No excuses – Pilates suits everyone!
- Can be done anywhere.
Pilates is a versatile sport that we can easily adapt to our needs and possibilities. It doesn't necessarily require special equipment or a specific venue. You can do Pilates in your room, at the gym, on the beach, in a hotel, in a studio, essentially anywhere. If you only have 15 minutes of free time, you can, for example, just do the warm-up. We only need ourselves and a little space to move.
Looking for bigger challenges? Use exercise aids like a medicine ball and a resistance band!
If we still haven't convinced you, perhaps Joseph Pilates, the developer of Pilates, will succeed. "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body," said Pilates. Well, what do you say, is it worth trying?