Pilates, strength and flexibility with the sport of the stars
By Naturale Bio
A gentle and effective training method, suitable for everyone and very popular among celebrities: it is the pilates .
Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow practice it, but also several famous men such as Sting and David Beckham.
Pilates Principles and Equipment
Pilates was born in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, from the mind of Joseph Pilates, from whom it takes its name. It all started from the personal experience of Joseph, very sickly and fragile as a child: precisely to combat his pathologies and strengthen his body, he "invented" a series of simple but effective exercises, to be performed with few tools or free body.
Its inventor famously said: “ A few well-planned and precisely executed movements, in a balanced sequence, have the same value as long, forced and roughly executed contortions .”
Over time, this technique also rose to prominence as rehabilitation method and today it consists of new poses, exercises and medical knowledge.
The equipment is simple: just comfortable clothes, a mat similar to the one you yoga (essential that it does not slip or move during the exercises), if necessary an inflatable ball and some elastic bands.
Who is Pilates suitable for?
Pilates aims to strengthen the body, strengthen muscles and joints, in particular starting from the “ core ”, the centre of the body, therefore the entire trunk, abdominal and lumbar area.
Muscle mass improves without hypertrophy, because weights are not used as in bodybuilding: it is about perform certain movements with extreme precision and control and maintain positions , using your own body weight.
Postural exercises, therefore, which mix concentration and posture , to be performed free body and slowly, because they are based on the quality of the movement, and not on its quantity/repetition.
This is why Pilates is suitable for everyone. Many athletes who practice “wearing” disciplines such as running They integrate it into their training regimen because it helps to lengthen muscles and prevent injuries.
Or, people who do not like sports in the strict sense, can approach this gentle gymnastics, even in the presence of back problems or overweight.
Pros and cons of this discipline
Pilates makes you stronger, more flexible, improves posture and proprioception. It can be practiced by a wide range of people because it is simple and non-aggressive, although still tiring.
On a mental level, the concentration needed to perform the exercises and the connection with correct breathing contribute to to relieve stress or make you more aware , in a perspective of mindfulness .
There are few contraindications: first of all, it is essential to be followed by an expert trainer and to be well informed to perform the positions in the correct way, otherwise you risk getting hurt.
The use of equipment such as a ball or elastic bands should always be evaluated, especially if you are in particular conditions. People who are very overweight, with serious back problems or pregnant women should always ask their doctor for advice before starting a new sport, even if it is “gentle” like pilates.
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