What is Pilates?

Definition of Pilates:

Pilates or control (in English: Pilates) is defined as a type of exercise that aims to strengthen the body in general and improve its physical fitness, in addition to enhancing its flexibility and ability to balance; This is done by focusing on exercising individual muscles that increase the strength of the spine and joints on which the skeleton rests in the human body،

This type of exercise focuses on coordinating good communication between body and mind (mental neural connectivity); Who must be fully aware and aware of the way the body moves and breathes.

It should be noted that this sport was named after its German founder, Joseph Pilates, who saw that there is a close connection between mental and physical health, and from this standpoint, Joseph created exercises that were influenced by some types of Western sports, such as gymnastics, boxing, and wrestling،

After immigrating to the United States of America in the 1920s, Platts opened a special center to teach his new method of exercise, which he had called at the time Contorology .

Pilates exercise:

Pilates is characterized by the possibility of practicing it by all age groups, regardless of the different levels of physical fitness among these groups; However, it is recommended to take advice and advice from a specialist doctor before practicing Pilates by a person who has any medical record؛

This sport may be prohibited for people whose blood pressure is unstable, or who suffer from osteoporosis or the risk of blood clots،

It is preferable to start practicing this sport by exercising with the help of a certified trainer, so that the person ensures that his practice of this sport is done correctly, and gyms usually contain a special Pilates device, which is an exercise device that contains connected belts and springs to add resistance to the person during exercise.

Pilates exercises can be practiced at home using some digital educational materials that can be viewed and then accurately imitated using special equipment; Like a mat that is placed on the floor, Pilates movements may seem simple, but they require a lot of precision and control, and usually completing one lesson of Pilates exercises requires a period ranging from forty-five minutes to a full hour, a few days a week

The difference between Pilates and yoga:

Pilates and yoga use a variety of exercises that focus on increasing the body's strength and developing its balance and flexibility, in addition to improving the person's way of breathing, but each of these two sports has a different way of performing and characteristics that distinguish it from the other؛

While yoga focuses more on meditation and relaxation, Pilates is a physical sport that focuses on enhancing body strength،

While yoga does not require any equipment to practice it, Pilates is practiced on mats and its own devices, and another difference between these two sports is that the movement patterns in Pilates are according to a specific movement sequence, while yoga is practiced in fixed positions.

Benefits of Pilates:

There are many health benefits that can be obtained when practicing Pilates, and the following shows the most important of these benefits:

1_getting the body used to staying in a good and healthy position.

2_increase the strength and sculpting of the body’s muscles.

3_ Increase body flexibility and improve its balance.

4_ Reducing feelings of stress.

5_give the person a general feeling of happiness and satisfaction. 6_increasing the ability to get rid of excess weight.

At the end of this article, we would like you to share with us your opinion whether you have ever practiced this sport or whether you know some information about it