ALL ABOUT PILATES: THE INQUIRY

What is pilates and what is the history of it?

ABOUT:

Many people have never actually heard of Pilates before or do not know what type of exercise it is so to begin, we need to know what Pilates actually is. According to multiple websites, Pilates is based on resistance exercise focusing on two key elements: spinal alignment and core muscle strength. This form of exercise is very popular among women because it improves flexibility, works on strength, and body awareness without building an insane amount of muscle to the point where a woman appears “bulky”. The stereotypes society has created in the past about women who are very muscular or considered manly is why Pilates is so popular among women only.  Despite these stereotypes, anyone of any gender, age, or size can participate in Pilates as it is great for one’s overall health.

History:

Many forms of exercise have an unknown start date, except for Pilates. It was created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer. Joseph created this type of exercise to rehabilitate soldiers and dancers after the first world war as he thought it could be beneficial and a different route than what was already out there to heal their bodies.

WHY IS IT SIMILAR TO YOGA?

First, let’s talk about how yoga is similar to pilates. As stated on the website WebMD, both exercises focus on breathing and use the whole body. They also both focus on “alignment, balance, strength and flexibility” (Cassity), and the 2 exercises require you to be present in what you are doing.

I honestly could not find much about why yoga was similar to pilates. Yoga was created in the “pre-Vedic Eastern states of India” (Wikipedia) whereas pilates was created many, many years later. I think maybe Joseph Pilates liked the concept of Yoga and how it can be calming which can be beneficial for healing, so he used similar concepts as Yoga, but that is just my thoughts.

How is it different?

Yoga has a lot more upright poses like for example, the tree pose or mountain pose. Pilates, on the other hand, is mainly just floor work with a focus on the core in shorter sets (Cassity).

Conclusion:

Overall, I think Pilates is a great form of exercise for anyone. It is important to strengthen your body and to practice flexibility as well. I very much enjoyed doing these at home, online Pilates classes, and will continue to incorporate them into my workout plan in the future.

Works Cited:

Cassity, Jessica. Pilates vs. Yoga: Which One Is Better for You?      www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/is-pilates-better-than-yoga.

History and Origins of Pilates & The Pilates Reformer. 4 Dec. 2017, www.pilatescentral.co.uk/history-origins-         pilates/.

“Pilates: Get Facts on Exercises and Techniques.” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 26 June 2015,                     www.medicinenet.com/pilates/article.htm.