The Healing Rhythm of Pilates
All Photography by Nikola Murniece
Pilates is a contemporary practice that focuses on exercising and conditioning the body. It was invented and developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, with the primary goal of providing professional dancers with proper injury recovery. However, this workout has gained immense popularity over the years as many people have begun to realize its powerful health potential.
Even though this practice has been around for merely a decade, it still has not ceased to gain the interest of many new aspiring devotees. The major reason for such an extensive appeal is the fact that it can be completely customizable to fit your workout and wellness goals, despite your age or fitness aptness.
If you have long been searching for an exercise routine that can improve your balance, increase your strength, tone your muscles, and offer you pain relief, then Pilates is probably the workout art you seek to explore. Although you will likely find it intimidating at the beginning, you will be glad to have tried it once you advance through each session.
As with every other activity, this one is guided by a range of principles. The most notable ones include the ability to concentrate on each movement and learning how to activate the abdominal and lower back muscles. In addition, every practitioner has to learn to follow precise movement rhythms and focus on achieving controlled breathing.
Benefits of Pilates
Naturally, not so many people would be interested in this artistic practice if it wasn’t for its spectrum of rewarding benefits. And although this often varies from one person to another, the most important thing is that you feel enjoyment with each session.
Following are some of the therapeutic and preventive benefits you can expect to experience:
Pain relief
One of the first and most notable reasons people turn to this exercise is to relieve their chronic or acute pain. It has been shown that it especially works on relieving lower back pain due to the fact that it increases your core strengths. This leads us to our next point-
Increased core strength
Besides strengthening your abdominal area, these exercises also affect your sides, middle to lower back, and hips, improving your overall stability.
Improved posture
Conversely, having a strong core works on improving your posture, which would prove to have a major impact on your overall life quality. This is especially beneficial for people who live a predominantly sedentary lifestyle.
Flexibility and balance
Given the nature of these exercises, you can expect to witness an improvement in your flexibility levels, as well as your balance. This will further prevent you from experiencing a range of injuries and help your muscles relax after strenuous activity.
Mental benefits
Lastly, practicing Pilates also comes with a range of mental benefits, providing stress-free rejuvenation. This practice has also proved to be effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression and boosting your overall mood.
Although Pilates is a relatively modern practice, it is already deeply rooted in the lifestyles of many who surrender to its benefits. The overall complement to your mental and physical well-being is always worth the exploration.