P for Pilates: How to get started?
When someone says they are going for Pilates session, does that excites you? Be it youth icon Janhvi Kapoor or beautiful mommy Kareena Kapoor Khan, everyone has a thumbs up for Pilates class. Well, Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body. But a lot of time people get intimidated when it comes to signing up for a class. If you are just aware of the term ‘Pilates’ and have no clue about its benefits, then here we are with some handful tips. Let’s get back to basics and understand what does Pilates stand for? Pilates can improve your posture and improves your flexibility. According to a study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical fitness, eight weeks of Pilates classes can improve abdominal endurance, flexibility and balance.
Back to Basics: What is Pilates?
It is a form of low impact exercise. It aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment flexibility. The moves tend to target the core but it works for other areas of your body too. A typical Pilates session can last for 45 minutes to 60 minutes.
Reformer class VS Mat class of Pilates
If you made your mind to enrol for a Pilates class, then it is important to understand the difference between Reformer class VS Mat class. The main aim of Pilate session is to strengthen your muscles and make your body flexible. The mat for Pilates session is a tad thicker than your usual yoga mat. The main aim is to cushion your pressure points. If you go for reformer class, then you will get a sliding platform complete with stationery such as foot bars and springs. Before committing your workout, you need to understand what you can take.
Important Note: Regardless of which class you choose, make sure to let your instructor know that you are a beginner.
How can you prepare yourself for the Pilate Session?
Understand many beginner classes will have the same group of exercises and they could be as follows:
1. The Hundred (A breathing exercise that helps to strengthen the core stability)
2. Rolling like a ball (Massages the spine and open up the back)
3. The roll-up ( a slow move that helps stretch the spine)
4. Series of 5 ( a group of moves that strengthen the abdominals and back muscles)
What should be the choice of clothes?
When it comes to Pilates session you need to wear body-hugging clothes. There are many exercises in Pilates where you need to lie down and legs are moving above you. In that case, one should always prefer leggings and capris instead of shorts. Talking about footwear, you can stay barefoot or you can wear socks for the session.
Conclusion
Pilates should be a part of your fitness plan. Initially, you may feel like quitting but its long term results are great. Your body and mind both get benefitted from the Pilates classes. Before enrolling for a class, make up your mind for commitment. As they say “ Fitness is all about Commitment
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