Is Pilates right for you?

How do you know whether Pilates is right for you?

When you talk about joining a gym, the first thing that comes to mind is, “What kind of yoga or Pilates classes do they have there?” Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on stretching and balancing, in finding peace and in strengthening the body and muscles without bouncing, running, hopping, jumping or other vigorous forms of movements. Pilates is all about movements that help rejuvenate the mind and strengthen the body, while injecting vigor into your everyday life. For people who like aggressive movements, go for cardio activities or classes, like Steps, Dance, Combat or other forms of Les Milles types of programs.

For the rest of us, there’s always Pilates. And how do you know whether Pilates is right for you? Here’s the answer…

Pilates is perfect for those who have old sport injuries

For those of us who have previously been physically or emotionally injured in one way or the other, Pilates can help nurse your wounds back into normalcy. Pilates is non-strenuous, therefore, it does not strain your muscles, joints, bones or other parts of your body. In Pilates, the most important thing is that you move slowly and stretch as far as YOU can go. Pilates is also suitable for children and the elderly. Unlike other types of cardiovascular programs, it does not, generally speaking, raise your heart rate to a point that you will faint.

Pilates is good for those who like challenges

Pilates, right now, probably sounds like a piece of cake to you. But in actual fact, it is not. It sounds so mild that many people think that it’s a walk in the park. But there’s a lot more to Pilates than meets the eye. Although you’re not pushed beyond your own limit and you don’t need to bounce, hop, skip and run around in a mad frenzy, you’re going to be stretching every single muscle in your body and hold different positions for some time. This can be a challenge for most of us. Exceptions are made for those who are older, very young and the injured. For Pilates fans, we’re in for the challenge. If you take a look at some of the positions in Pilates, you’ll see what I mean.

Pilates is suitable for those who are depressed

The fantastic thing about Pilates is that it not only stretches your body and muscles, Pilates is a kind of program that also stretches you mentally. In order to hold positions and balance yourself, you need focus, you need concentration and you need the will to hold it there until the Pilates instructor says you can change position. It gives you a reprieve from whatever problems you’re facing and focus on you. Pilates helps you refocus your life and for the whole 45 min to 1 hour session, your focus is none other than YOU.

About The Author

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of Healthy Lifestyle on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Free Pilates Report

To learn more about Pilates get my FREE Report titled: "Your True Age Lies Not In How Old You Are, But By The Degree Of Natural And Normal Flexibility Of Your Spine."

After reading the report you will:

Understand the 6 principles of the Pilates method
Read excerpts in Joe s own words from his 1934 book titled "Health"
Have an insight into the life of a man that was 5 decades ahead of his time

Pilates Report

< Older Post Newer Post >

Benefits of Barre Class

September 16, 2022

Barre classes are full-body workouts

Meditation

By Maria Forrest • September 16, 2022

Forrest Pilates’ Miami Guided Meditation Courses

Prenatal Yoga

September 16, 2022

Yoga has been shown to alleviate many conditions commonly experienced during pregnancy, such as back pain, sciatica, swelling and heartburn. Prenatal Yoga in particular focuses specifically on the pregnant woman's needs, allowing expectant mothers to learn breathing techniques and postures that help sooth the challenges of pregnancy. By helping expectant mothers build strength, focus and flexibility through a gentle practice, Forrest Pilates' prenatal yoga classes prepare expectant mothers for both delivery and postpartum recuperation. At the same time, this serene group experience also cultivates a deeper awareness and joy at the natural changes that occur in the body during these nine months. Designed especially for the pregnant woman, our prenatal yoga classes combine active, flowing poses with restorative poses that relax and re-energize the body, mind and spirit. Moms-to-be can interact with one another and benefit from a supportive community energy, while also being reminded to turn their attention inward and deepen their connection with their bodies during this magical time. Whether you are a veteran yogi looking to modify your current practice or a first-timer, Forrest Pilates' prenatal yoga classes foster a sense of confidence in your body and your ability to give birth, as well as trust in the inherent wisdom of the female anatomy. Benefits of Prenatal Yoga: The strength developed through yoga is needed in the lower body to carry the added weight of pregnancy. Post-pregnancy, upper body strength is required to hold and care for your baby. Prenatal yoga strengthens the muscles that support the weight of the uterus, taking pressure off the lower back and thereby relieving or helping you avoid pain. Inversion poses help create space in the pelvis, which reduces irritation of the hip joints. Yoga’s focus on the breath is particularly relevant during pregnancy. Regular practitioners will likely find it easier to learn Lamaze or breathing techniques, and breath control is a valuable pain reduction tool during labor. The balancing poses in prenatal yoga assist pregnant women in adjusting to the natural shift in their body's center of gravity.