What is the big deal with pilates?

A mind and body exercise developed in the 20th Century, that’s one way to explain what pilates is. An ever-popular exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates, Pilates is not just about strength training or flexibility; it was designed to ensure core strength, body awareness and mental focus as well. Often practised on a mat, Pilates also has specialised apparatus like reformers (spring-loaded carriage that provides adjustable resistance) and cadillacs (a versatile frame with bars and straps) to aid the exercises. 

Pilates is a full-body workout and involves ensuring better breathing patterns and muscle control, making it a popular alternative to regular workout sessions today. With studies from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy and the American Council on Exercise emphasising how pilates helps with spinal stability and posture with much less risk for injury, pilates became much more than a trend in the past few years. 

Who invented pilates?

Invented in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, Pilates is said to be inspired by gymnastics, boxing, yoga, and Zen meditation. 

In 1926, he moved to New York, opening a studio near the New York City Ballet to conduct classes on “Contrology” (his original term). The popularity which began then continues to date, with a variety of types coming in later.

The key types

Contrology: The original method created by Joseph Pilates, which involves a limited number of exercises, some of which must be executed using apparatuses having special characteristics, systematically and in a specific order. Joseph Pilates was very specific about how to do Contrology and allowed people to make modifications only if they specified it was not ‘Contrology’.

Classical Pilates: Contrology with minor changes made, mostly by direct disciples of Joseph Pilates, who acknowledged the difference as what Classical Pilates is. Often considered part of each other, classical pilates often has additional exercises added as well. 

Contemporary Pilates: Considered a modern, changed version of Classical Pilates, Contemporary Pilates includes more modifications, additional equipments and removal of the need for a particular order of exercises. 

Often considered a much more flexible form of exercise now, Pilates can be seen combined with other workouts like yoga, cardio and even boxing and dance to form Yogilates, Cardiopilates, and Piloxing. There is also aquapilates (pilates in water or swimming pools) and aeropilates (pilates which involves trampolines or resistance cords to protect one’s knees, ankles and joints) now.

Rise of Pilates

Why has pilates been all over the news in the last couple of years? There are multiple reasons, from the newer generations being more health-conscious to social media creating the FOMO effect (Fear Of Missing Out), which has created the hype around Pilates. But let’s talk science; is Pilates actually effective as a workout method?

According to multiple studies, pilates is a scientifically validated exercise method which seems to have helped with core strengthening, chronic pain, improving balance, flexibility and posture, along with better mental health through movement meditation. Along with reducing anxiety, Pilates are seen to have helped in decreasing back and neck pain, maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis (a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D).

While exercise can often be subjective as far as effectiveness is concerned, Pilates is definitely a different approach to health and wellness one can try out when you are bored with dumbbells and yoga mats!