Pilates is a form of exercise, as well as a body conditioning method, that has been around for a long time. It was originally brought into the mainstream by Joseph Pilates, though many of the moves have been around for a long time. In the beginning, this was used to help dancers recovery from some of their injuries, but due to the ease of use and adjustments that make this good for beginners and those with more flexibility as well, the work of Pilates has grown and become very popular.
Some of the principles that will guide you through Pilates will include the concentration on the moment so that you can really concentrate on each movement, rather than worrying about what you need to do next, the use of the lower back muscles and the abdomen, which are often underutilized, and controlled breathing. When all of these are done individually, they can be good for the whole body. When you put them together, they can make some big changes in your body.
Depending on the types of exercise that you choose to do and the intensity, you will find that you will be able to do the exercises either freeform and on your own, or you can bring in some Pilates apparatuses to help, including a reformer. Most beginners are going to rely on a blanket or a mat to help them have some comfort when they do some of these poses.
You may be surprised to find out that Pilates can be a form of strength training, though it doesn’t require any weights or the other tools that you may see with strength training. Pilates is going to focus more on improving the muscle tone in the individual, rather than building muscles, but the result is going to be similar. When you start to do Pilates on a regular basis, it will help build up your endurance and stability, which is important at any stage. Plus, you get a longer and leaner look, which is something that so many people are looking for.
When you are ready to get started with Pilates, then check out our Pilates in DC classes to help you get started. We offer a wide variety of classes to suit your needs, whether you have some background in this great stretching workout, or it is the first time you have ever heard of it. We can work with you to help rejuvenate the body and even to help out if you have an injury or something else that is causing you aches around the body. Come and check out our class schedule to find one that works for you.
