What Pilates Classes are Your Ideal Training for Getting in Perfect Shape

by Pilates pal

Pilates training works to strengthen the core muscles of the body and in effect, tune the entire system in a graceful, painless manner. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the original Pilates, based his concept on six core principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flow that worked in unison to help the trainee achieve a balanced workout for both the body and the mind.

Different Pilates Methods

Modern schools of Pilates have adapted and customized the original version based on physiotherapeutic perspectives and scientific knowledge. They make use of a mix of standard mat exercises that rely on body weight or extra resistance achieved using other equipment, and machines to hone the core muscles, improve fluidity of movement and balance. Irrespective of the school or various styles of, Pilates classes continue to revolve around the core principles of the original concept.

Winsor Pilates

Trending high in the US, this variant of the original Pilates is the brainchild of Mari Winsor, a teacher and a dancer based in Hollywood. Winsor style focuses on body sculpting and weight loss, while continuing to work on core training by using a combination of breathing, stretching and concentration exercises. Cardio workouts in Winsor Pilates sessions, help to burn calories and lose weight, apart from strengthening the body.

Polestar Pilates

Polestar Education is a world wide provider of rehabilitation‐based Pilates curriculum, high‐caliber Pilates teachers and successful Pilates studio prototypes. The Mission of Polestar is an international community of research‐oriented movement science professionals, transferring advanced knowledge to our clients to improve health and well‐being, through the application of Pilates and various methodologies of movement science. They focus on assessment skills as applied to post-rehab and developing programs for common pathologies.  Their Pilates classes focus on intelligent movement patterns to help reduce joint injuries and restore normal healthy movement, while giving the client a workout and challenge.
 
Pilates Reformers and Cadillac Exercises

Performed with the help of machines, these exercises focus on muscle strength, flexibility, being beneficial to sportsmen who are often expected to showcase extreme levels of strength and agility when on the field.

Mat Exercises

Traditional Pilates' lessons are simply a series of mat exercises that train each and every muscle in the body using the body's own weight as resistance. Pilates' exercises are not about repetitive movements, but usually comprise a cycle of routines that help to work out the entire body. Exercises get more challenging with each complexity level, ultimately reaching the Pilates Powerhouse routine that goes beyond core training to work on the powerhouse muscles in the abdomen, lower-back, pelvic-floor, hips and the glutes.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates' exercises are a comfortable way to get in shape, ideal for men and women across all age groups as well as children. Longer, leaner, fitter muscles and flexible joints help people move with natural confidence, and bounce back from injuries if they get hurt at all.

• Pilates' classes are especially beneficial to children and seniors, as children tend to grow stronger over time and seniors develop a natural resistance against injuries, cardiac and lung problems. Cardiac health is often affected by a sedentary lifestyle that limits blood circulation, while irregular breathing patterns curb the normal functioning of the lungs.
Pilates for sports including all athletes and dancers, derive a lot of benefits from Pilates training, improving on flexibility, resistance, graceful movement and posture while training the core to meet the challenges of the profession.
• Strength, coordination, balance, and general tone of the body are highly enhanced, and when coupled with other forms of training such as weights or yoga, Pilates not only vitalizes the core but also improves blood circulation, sleep and mental alertness in the practitioner.
• Rehabilitation and recovery from injuries is certainly easier since these exercises do not cause any inflammation in the affected area.
• Another key benefit is that strength and flexibility are achieved without gaining bulk. Again, this is primarily due to the fact that Pilates exercises are not repetitive and do not require the learner to put any additional effort to break the resistance and challenge their limits.

Pilates' routines are best done with the help of a trainer to minimize the risks of injuries. Though based on the same core principles, not all routines or methods may suit everyone.

Pilates for Men

Pilates have now become quite popular with women who are looking for that perfect mix of fitness, balance and flexibility. Pilates does not require a show of strength or physical effort, so it may be slightly challenging for men to tread light even on the equipment and machines used for Pilates' classes. 

Pilates routines for men are no different than those applicable to women. However, men may require custom exercises to flex their stiff muscles gradually. Control, breathing and balance are the keys to strengthening the core muscles using Pilates. It certainly demands a lot of patience from men who are more used to quick and repetitive, or energy-intensive exercises to stay in shape.



Pilates exercises naturally strengthen the body in a painless and seemingly effortless manner.