Pilates is the name given to the set of physical exercises, practiced on specific devices or even on the floor, with the central objective of improving the physical conditioning and the quality of life of individuals.
Pilates sessions can only be taught by physical therapists or physical educators. They can be individual or group, according to the patient’s preference.
This practice was created by the German Joseph Hubertus Pilates in the early 20th century. Joseph was a lover of the human body and the practice of physical activities. He was a boxer, circus artist and was even arrested in a concentration camp in Germany.
Pilates seeks to balance the body and mind through 6 basic principles:
• Concentration, which is knowing how to locate yourself within the movement, understanding what is happening in your body;
• Accuracy of movement, that is, maintaining control and balance of the body’s muscles when they perform a certain movement;
• Control, as movements need to follow patterns to avoid unnecessary muscle contractions;
• Breathing, which must be synchronized with the execution of the movement
• Fluidity, which provides lightness to the exercises, protecting the body from impacts;
• Centralization, which is the strengthening of the trunk muscles.
2- In addition to back pain, Pilates can rehabilitate from several other pathologies
Pilates is usually very much associated with pain in general. In particular, the column. However, pilates has other benefits, related to treatments and prevention of many other pathologies. The main ones are:
• Prevention and relief of spinal injuries;
• Muscle injuries in general;
• Rheumatic diseases in general, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and arthritis;
• Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease;
• Heart diseases;
• Respiratory diseases.
3- Pilates practice helps with weight loss
Did you know that pilates helps you lose weight?
Of course, for you to reach your goal in relation to your body, you need to go a little further: the focus should not be on the numbers on the scale, but on having a healthy life.
So, if that is your goal, to have a healthier life, pilates is the ideal practice for you, since the exercises work not only the body but the balance between it and the mind. Weight loss is precisely associated with this, because it is through our mind that we control our entire body.
Pilates exercises increase the flexibility of the body, tone the muscles and increase strength. Thus, associating this practice with good nutrition and other healthy habits, the result is a considerable loss of body fat for the patient.
4- Do you know your body? Pilates contributes significantly to increased body awareness
Have you ever been in a situation where you simply cannot execute a simple movement? Or, to believe that you are not able to face any situation?
Pilates contributes a lot to the patient’s knowledge of his body, both mentally and physically. The exercises are directed as needed, but are always guided by the 6 principles, which we talked about in item 1 of this article.
To perform them, the patient will use physical and mental energy. Yes, in the beginning, it can really be complicated and even difficult. But as classes pass, the movements begin to flow.
In this way, the patient is then overcome by a feeling of achievement and happiness when he sees that he is capable and that he can perform a certain movement. This contributes to increase, without a doubt, their self-esteem.
5- Pilates does not treat pain
After reading that sentence, you may have been frightened. Don’t worry, we’ll explain.
Pilates does not only treat specific pain that you have, like the remedies for muscle pain and in general. This practice aims to treat the root cause of the problem, that is, where the pain comes from.
Knowing this, the professional will propose personalized exercises for the patient who, as a consequence, will have a reduction in the symptoms of that problem, such as pain.
6- Pilates improves sexual performance
Ual!
Like all physical activity, pilates releases endorphin, the hormone responsible for pleasure and well-being.
But, pilates has a differential: the exercises work and demand a lot of the pelvic region of the body, the lower part