In the fast-paced modern life, people pay more and more attention to physical and mental health and physical management. Pilates, a fitness method that combines the wisdom of Eastern and Western health care, is gradually becoming the new favorite of the majority of fitness enthusiasts. Since its creation in 1926 by the German Joseph Pilates, Pilates not only attracted many Hollywood stars with its unique workout concepts, but also set off a fitness craze around the world. It is not only a fitness exercise, but also a lifestyle that emphasizes the unity of mind and body and focuses on breathing and control. Today, Pilates has evolved into a variety of forms to meet the needs of different groups of people, so that everyone can find their own way in this exercise system. In this article, we'll take you on an in-depth look at the benefits of Pilates, the diverse forms, as well as things to keep in mind and common misconceptions when starting out as a novice, so that you can find your own health and balance in the world of Pilates.
The benefits of Pilates go beyond that!
Pilates believes that injuries stem from body imbalances and compensatory patterns, emphasizing correction of misalignments and body retraining. Pilates is not only a fitness exercise, but also emphasizes the unity of mind and body, breathing and control. Today, Pilates has developed a variety of forms to meet the needs of different groups of people and is easier to popularize. Its guiding principle is to gain health through whole-body exercises, utilizing the apparatus to create resistance, activate deep muscles, and maintain proper posture and body alignment. And there are many benefits of practicing Pilates, some of which are listed in this article:
(1) Relieve Emotions and Stress
The practice of Pilates emphasizes concentration and calmness, and through the coordination of breathing and movement, it helps to cultivate inner peace and serenity, reduce psychological stress and soothe anxiety. Pilates exercises can promote the operation of the circulatory system, eliminate mental tension, improve stress in working life, and make people feel calm, coordinated and energized.
(2) Improvement of body shape and posture
Regular practice of Pilates can effectively improve the posture problems caused by bad habits, such as hunchback, round shoulders and so on. Pilates is beneficial to the health of the spine, by increasing the strength of the muscles near the spine to protect the spine, improve the center of gravity instability and pelvic problems, but also to prevent spinal pathologies, such as lumbar disc herniation.
(3) Improve Body Coordination and Balance
The movement design of Pilates focuses on active stretching and core control of the body, and long-term practice can exercise muscle coordination and improve the overall coordination and balance of the body.
Novice preparation period:
Learn about Pilates through books, articles, videos, etc., including its origin, theoretical basis, parts of the body to be exercised and benefits. This helps to build a comprehensive understanding of Pilates and stimulate interest and motivation for practice.
The basic movements of Pilates are a must. It can be learned through the guidance of online courses and course videos. Beginners can start with simple movements and gradually transition to more complex ones.
Principles to follow in the early stages of practice
Correct Posture and Breathing: Ensure that you maintain the correct posture for each movement to avoid injuries caused by overexertion or incorrect posture. At the same time, pay attention to the rhythm and depth of your breathing. Combining breathing with the movements will help to improve the effectiveness of your practice.
Gradual progression: Don't be in a hurry, start practicing simple movements and gradually increase the difficulty. After your body has adapted and your core control has been strengthened, you can then try more advanced movements.
Consistency: Pilates requires long-term persistence to see noticeable results. Therefore, it is vital to maintain a regular exercise routine. Even if you only practice for a short period of time each day, you can gradually build up results.
Focus and Relaxation: Maintain a focused and relaxed mindset during your practice. Concentrate on how your body feels and performs the movements, while relaxing and enjoying the process.
Professional guidance: If possible, it is best to practice under the guidance of a professional coach. Instructors can provide personalized guidance and advice to help correct wrong movements and avoid injuries.
Pilates, with its unique charm and diverse forms, has attracted more and more people to join it. It not only helps us to soothe our emotions, improve our physique and enhance our body coordination, but also a lifestyle that emphasizes the unity of body and mind and focuses on breathing and control. For novices, mastering the correct practice methods and avoiding common misconceptions are the keys to enjoying the benefits of Pilates. We hope that this article will serve as a guide for you to explore the world of Pilates, so that you can find your own health and balance in this unique fitness journey.
EN
