I recently started going to a Pilates class. I realized I needed to exercise more and wanted to try something I've never done before. My roomie and I looked through a list of fitness classes offered throughout the semester at the Rec to see what would fit in our schedules. It just so happened that Pilates was the only class that worked for the both of us.
But as I walked in the in the room on the first day it hit me—I didn't really know what to expect. What makes it different from yoga, Zumba, INSANITY, and other kinds of workouts? What are the benefits? What will we even be doing? After a few weeks of doing Pilates, I was able to find some answers to these questions. Here's a brief breakdown as to what Pilates is, why you should try it for yourself, and what to expect when you start practicing Pilates.
Pilates is a method of exercise that works your body's abdomen, obliques, lower back, hips, thighs, and butt. Pilates is a good strength training workout - both physically and mentally. It isn't aerobic exercise. Instead it requires concentration and correct form to gradually work and improve flexibility, posture, muscle endurance, concentration, coordination, strength, and balance while practicing repetitive moves.
Basically your whole body is involved in the movements and exercises. Pilates exercises have variations and progressions so you can increase or decrease the difficulty of the moves. This allows for you to push yourself a little further each routine so you can reap the benefits like longer and learner muscles, better posture, less back pain, more awareness, better balance, and greater strength as well as a flatter tummy and firmer butt.
If you decide to take a Pilates class, each instructor will have their own approach and teaching method. The instructor of my class turns off the lights and plays calming music while we go through the routine. She emphasizes breathing, being comfortable, and safety. Just make sure that they have certification to teach and you follow their guidance throughout the exercises.
In the beginning, you will probably struggle trying to control the movements of your body, like when you strengthen one muscle while stretching another simultaneously. But it will get easier each time you work at it. It requires dedication and focus before you notice improvements. You have to motivate yourself to work harder. The first few days of Pilates may be difficult, but they are well worth it, as long as you continue to stick with it. Like right now my abs hurt a little, especially when I laugh. But I definitely think it's a small price to pay considering all of the great things that Pilates can do to improve my health.
Try it for yourself today!
