Occasionally, a fitness routine starts to feel boring and you get fed up with the usual workout cycle you set for yourself, and this is the indicator that you need to get some new things into it. It is a well-known thing that the fitness world is not solely gym and weights and that there are numerous workout sessions and techniques helping our body be healthy and snatched, and overall stronger. If you’ve ever watched Zumba or Pilates classes, you’ve probably noticed how much fun those folks have while working out. This is true because not only do you have a lot of fun burning those obstinate calories, but it also improves your mood. Here are some things you should know about Pilates before you decide to give it a shot.
What Is Pilates?
Before we break the topic down, here is just a small beforehand on Pilates and its basics. In its very essence, Pilates is a low-impact exercise routine that has the aim to strengthen the muscles, improve postural alignment, flexibility, and body balance. The regular Pilates workout session is 45 minutes to an hour-long, and it can be conducted with or without equipment. In principle, Pilates is concentrated on slow, precise movements, and breathing control that has positive effects on the core and targets some other areas of your body as well. When we say core, this does not only mean abdominal muscles, but the entire trunk including hips, inner and outer thighs, and the back.
Equipment
Just as it is already mentioned, a Pilates workout can be done with or without any equipment which leads us to the most basic division of Pilates – mat Pilates and reformer Pilates. Mat Pilates is performed on a mat that is slightly thicker than a regular yoga mat with soft cushions in the areas withholding most of the pressure. The other type, the reformer Pilates, is done on the machine called a reformer. Reformer is a sliding platform with a stationary foot bar, pulleys, and springs. Both of these Pilates types aim to focus your Pilates workout on the control building rather than on the endless repetition counts. In essence, the Pilates workouts are focused on the isolated muscle groups working against the resistance of bands and using only body weight. The ultimate goal is the synchronization of your actions and breathing and therefore establishing the utmost control over your body while practicing targeted muscle groups and building not only the core strength but gut strength too.
Beginner Classes
Beginner classes will feature the same rounds of exercises every class. These exercises are The Hundred – the one targeting core and breathing control; The Roll-up-exercise targeting back and spine while strengthening the abdominals; Leg circles are responsible for the hip moves and are core stabilizers; rolling like a ball massages spine and back muscles; series of 5 is a group of exercises that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles.
Right Clothes
Right clothes will definitely make you feel more comfortable. Even though you prefer wearing baggy clothes while doing your workouts, it is preferable to wear something more body-hugging for your Pilates classes so that your instructor is able to see all of your moves. When it comes to footwear, every studio has its own protocol and you can do the exercises either barefoot or wear socks.
Injuries
It is possible to suffer injuries in your Pilates classes and this is mostly because of you forcing yourself too much. Soreness and moderate muscle pain are normal when it comes to Pilates workouts, but any kind of extreme pain means that you should take a couple of days for your muscles to recover. The shortest way to productive muscle recovery is a protein-based diet and active recovery which can be, for instance, a long walk.
Online Pilates Classes
You can do Pilates workout sessions within your home atmosphere. There are a whole bunch of tutorials online that give you a step-by-step intro and lead you through all the phases of Pilates. Additionally, there are some apps that allow you to subscribe to the monthly programs and can cost between $10-$20 a month.
Pilates Should Be A Part Of The Balanced Workout Routine
You might be tempted to get down to Pilates every single day, though it is not recommended. You will feel your muscles sore the next day and it indicates the time for recovery so you should not consider your main type of training as well, whether it is weight lifting or cross-training. You will probably fall in love with Pilates, but having it well-balanced with your main routine is a must, otherwise, it will be quite difficult.
Because of the places it targets and other aspects that aren’t as emphasized in other fitness routines, Pilates is one of the most popular training routines. Pilates is all about control, and it will have a great impact on both your physical and spiritual wellbeing.
