Introduction to Pilates

Maria Sanchez    Pilates     Beginner Pilates, beginner pilates exercises, exercise, fitness, fitness equipment, Pilates

Pilates, as an exercise system and if done properly, has a lot of goals for the person doing it. First of all, the body of the pilates practitioner is trained for proper alignment, particularly of the shoulders, ribcage, and spine, thus encouraging correct posture. The development of a practitioner’s strength, fluidity of movement, a toned body, and physical equilibrium are ultimately accomplished through pilates. Pilates promotes a synergy between a person’s body and mind, promoting the practitioner’s “center.” A holistic experience is achieved with this “total” fitness regimen, without making the person bulky.

Pilates for beginners does not require high levels of fitness to be done. It should be easy for a first timer, whether man or woman, young or old, as long as a physician has cleared one’s bill of health. There are factors, though that anyone considering pilates for beginners should take into account. Lack of physical activity for a long time and the presence of medical conditions should deter someone from practicing pilates unless a specific program designed by a fitness professional can suit that person.

Moreover, other things that must be considered before engaging in pilates for beginners. If one is under medication for pain and psychological disorders like depression and mood alteration, pilates should not be done. Pilates should not be done after taking alcohol or after a meal. Allow for two hours to pass before doing pilates. Sickness like fever or flu and injuries in parts of the body should make someone avoid pilates first until he or she has fully recovered.

Clothing is an essential factor in pilates for beginners to make it a worthwhile experience. To encourage free and flowing movement, people doing pilates should avoid tight-fitting outfits like cycling shorts, leotards, leggings, and muscle shirts. Pants with garter waistbands should not be worn. Accessories can be left first. The person doing pilates should be comfortable and streamlined in the fashion sense.

Warm up is an important part in pilates for beginners to ready the body for conditioning. Warm up exercises such as the arm reach and pull, angel arms, and imprinting are needed. These warm up exercises promote stability, mobility, mindfulness in movement, relaxing, and “centering” of the body, particularly in the core parts of the arms, shoulders, ribcage, spine, and back. These warm up exercises also promote ease in breathing, a vital component in pilates.

The surge of pilates popularity, especially among Hollywood elite, has downgraded the credibility of pilates. More than just a mere fad, pilates has proven to bring a lot of benefits to its practitioners. A person doing pilates becomes mindful of functions that are usually taken for granted, such as breathing, pelvic and spinal alignment, and fluid movement. As a result, people doing pilates are rewarded with physiques with long and lean muscles and aligned, elegant postures.

Maria is a health and fitness journalist who writes about pilates moves for beginners and pilates techniques.