Myths Surrounding Pilates clarified
Pilates, aside from Yoga, is one of the most popular forms of exercise today. It helps to increase the body's core strength and it promotes flexibility, proper posture, coordination, stability, and balance. However, there are so many people who become hesitant to practice this form of exercise because of several myths that surround it. To clear up any misconceptions about the principles by which it abides, here are the myths that you should be aware of.
1.   Pilates may only be enjoyed by dancers.
Do you love dancing? If yes, this myth will certainly serve you well. But if not, then let me tell you a fact, this exercise form is not only for dancers. To elaborate more on this, let me tell you how it was developed. The founder was a gymnast and a boxer. Joseph Pilates believed that body movements are essential for rehabilitation. Hence, he came up with his own system wherein he used springs and attached them to hospital beds to help aid wounded soldiers. Even today, springs are still used and dancers are drawn to the exercise because they incur a variety of injuries when dancing. Everyone is able to practice Pilates if they wish to.
2.   Pilates is just a fad.
You may have heard a lot of celebrities are happy to let it be known they do it, and even other popular figures say that they include them in their workout regimen. This is only because Pilates is the current "in" fashion exercise. People everywhere, not just celebrities, are enjoying doing it for several reasons. The main reasons are that these exercises will result in a leaner, more flexible body, with better posture and stronger core muscles.
3.   Pilates is only for people who have the money to buy equipment.
Indeed, there is equipment used in Pilates that you may need to purchase, but you can achieve the same benefits by using cheaper alternatives such as exercise balls, exercise bands, a foam roll and exercise mat.
4.   Pilates only involves stretching.
If you believe this myth, think again. It is much more than just that. Advanced sessions will also introduce you to other forms of exercises that will develop not just your flexibility but also your strength. One of the principles wherein Pilates was formed is that toned and stretched muscles are less prone to tears and other related injuries, thus flexibility is a must especially if you play sports and other activities that require you to be physically fit.
5.   Pilates is just a form of Yoga.
These exercise forms are different in a lot of ways. Joseph Pilates acknowledged that he was influenced by movements such as martial arts, Yoga, boxing, Tai Chi, and calisthenics. Pilates may be "similar" to Yoga in some ways but the two are separate forms of exercise. While Yoga includes meditation and comes from a spiritual tradition, Pilates is more about thoughtful motion.
6.   Pilates are only for women.
Flexibility is often related to women. As most would say, most men find it hard to move gracefully. It can certainly help you to have better control and co-ordination resulting more fluid movement, and it can also be practised by men. The beginner's routine will help you become more flexible so movement in any direction is easier and your body will be more supple and ready for the advanced sessions.
If you try Pilates start at the beginners section and work up as your core muscles are strengthened. You will soon realise that it is an all-round exercise workout that will provide plenty of benefits for your physical body as well as overall health.
1.   Pilates may only be enjoyed by dancers.
Do you love dancing? If yes, this myth will certainly serve you well. But if not, then let me tell you a fact, this exercise form is not only for dancers. To elaborate more on this, let me tell you how it was developed. The founder was a gymnast and a boxer. Joseph Pilates believed that body movements are essential for rehabilitation. Hence, he came up with his own system wherein he used springs and attached them to hospital beds to help aid wounded soldiers. Even today, springs are still used and dancers are drawn to the exercise because they incur a variety of injuries when dancing. Everyone is able to practice Pilates if they wish to.
2.   Pilates is just a fad.
You may have heard a lot of celebrities are happy to let it be known they do it, and even other popular figures say that they include them in their workout regimen. This is only because Pilates is the current "in" fashion exercise. People everywhere, not just celebrities, are enjoying doing it for several reasons. The main reasons are that these exercises will result in a leaner, more flexible body, with better posture and stronger core muscles.
3.   Pilates is only for people who have the money to buy equipment.
Indeed, there is equipment used in Pilates that you may need to purchase, but you can achieve the same benefits by using cheaper alternatives such as exercise balls, exercise bands, a foam roll and exercise mat.
4.   Pilates only involves stretching.
If you believe this myth, think again. It is much more than just that. Advanced sessions will also introduce you to other forms of exercises that will develop not just your flexibility but also your strength. One of the principles wherein Pilates was formed is that toned and stretched muscles are less prone to tears and other related injuries, thus flexibility is a must especially if you play sports and other activities that require you to be physically fit.
5.   Pilates is just a form of Yoga.
These exercise forms are different in a lot of ways. Joseph Pilates acknowledged that he was influenced by movements such as martial arts, Yoga, boxing, Tai Chi, and calisthenics. Pilates may be "similar" to Yoga in some ways but the two are separate forms of exercise. While Yoga includes meditation and comes from a spiritual tradition, Pilates is more about thoughtful motion.
6.   Pilates are only for women.
Flexibility is often related to women. As most would say, most men find it hard to move gracefully. It can certainly help you to have better control and co-ordination resulting more fluid movement, and it can also be practised by men. The beginner's routine will help you become more flexible so movement in any direction is easier and your body will be more supple and ready for the advanced sessions.
If you try Pilates start at the beginners section and work up as your core muscles are strengthened. You will soon realise that it is an all-round exercise workout that will provide plenty of benefits for your physical body as well as overall health.
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