The Various Types of Pilates

by Toluwani Oyesola November 3, 2021

You have probably been hearing the word Pilates a lot and may have been wondering what it means. In this post we will explain what it is, the benefits and other things.

Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body especially the core. It also helps to improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals.

It was developed by joseph Pilates a gymnast and carpenter as a program for injured dancers and soldiers, it was originally called Contrology.

Who can do Pilates?

Pilates can be done anyone as it can be modified as either a gentle strength training workout or a challenging workout.

If you have not done any exercise in a while you may want to check with your health professional before starting Pilates to know what level you should start with.

Who is Pilates not suitable for

If you have any of these health conditions:

Unstable blood pressure,

A herniated disk,

Severe osteoporosis,

A risk of blood clots,

then it may not be safe for you to do Pilates.

Types of Pilates

Classical Pilates: It is a more flexion-biased type of Pilate that helps people with lordotic lumbar spine. The exercises are done with the help of some equipment's. This type may not be suitable for those with disc protrusion.

Mat Pilates: It is done on with little or no equipment and focuses more on developing core strength.

Contemporary Pilates: This type of Pilate combines other forms of workouts such as yoga, strength training and recovery along with Pilates to give a well rounded workout session. It uses some equipment's such as resistance bands, foam rollers and stability balls.

Group Reformer Pilates: It gives a dynamic full-body exercise with the use of an equipment known as the reformer. It is a type of Pilate that focuses mainly on flow and is aimed at improving the body's strength, flexibility and balance.

Benefits

Mind Connection: It can help to increase the connection between the mind and the body, because most Pilates workout involves mind participation.

Body Posture: It can help you to gain and maintain good body posture, as it requires your body to always be in alignment and strengthens the muscles.

Lower Back: It can help to strengthen the lower back and prevent ache in that area.

Improves flexibility: By strengthening the muscles in the core, legs and hands, it makes the body more flexible and make movements easier.

Improves balance: This type of workout requires a lot of coordination and control and thus can help to improve the balance of the body.

Strengthens Muscles: Pilates offer a large range of movement that can help to tone the muscles into looking more defined while simultaneously strengthening them.

Strong Core: It can help to strengthen, tone and build the core muscles, as most of the movements are targeted at the core.

Pilates often look simple and easy, but they require a lot of precision and control to get the posture right. Which is why it is important to take things slow and focus on your breathing and body posture while doing this workout to gain all the benefits.