A Pilates body training program is a health course therapy conditioning both the physical and mental mechanism of an individual. Strengthening the muscles and increasing the agility of the ligaments and tendons are some of the benefits that a Pilates enthusiast can get out of this program. Due to its flexibility and suppleness outcome and making the body achieve agility, the Pilates program has been a preferred and most loved body workout among dancers and gymnasts.

One would fully appreciate Pilates and its healthy benefits if given a glimpse of where it started and the basics of getting into your Pilates workout.

History of Pilates

Joseph H. Pilates, a German born, is the founder of the Pilates body training program. When he was a child, Joseph was afflicted with asthma, a condition that caused severe and lasting distress leaving him in a physically weakened state. Joseph, in his perseverance of getting rid of his physical state began to engage himself in sports which eventually became a sports enthusiast participating in different kinds of athletics. Pilates later on went to medical school where he chose a career in nursing in England during the World War I.

Pilates served the men who fought in the war and his developed exercise and equipments greatly helped those soldiers who were immobilize because of the injuries contained in the battle. The said exercise was a collaboration of yoga and martial arts that develops the powerful link and relationship of the mind and body.

The Basics of Pilates

In starting Pilates body training, two school of thoughts should be considered. First, the use of an exercise mat to be used in the course of the exercise and second proper training of Pilates body principles together with the use of work out accessories and equipments. Case resistance is also given. The first school of thought would be beneficial in utilizing the weight of the body to be exercised supplying the resistance needed. And such resistance is made available by the accessories.

The Pilates body training program offers good variety of benefits regardless of age and physical state. People from different walks of life can be a part of this exercise. It is important therefore, that all routines and workouts are properly executed especially in using Pilates machines to avoid accidents and injuries. Thus, a professional instructor is needed to supervise the smooth flow of the exercise. Training instructions could be done in various settings like a personal workout, group setting or video presentations.

Having known all of this, going back to the basic is very salient. Pilates is originally a body movement designed to work closely together with the rhythm and stroke of breathing. Focusing on the muscles in performing the exercise is also one pointer to consider. An individual working on a Pilates body training program should know the very essence and core of Pilates which is the union of mind and body with the particular goal or purpose of moderating anxieties and hassles in facing daily life’s challenges.

Pilates exercise would be well done with the use of loose fitting clothes without wearing shoes. Most importantly, when performing Pilates every movement should be in a calm and smooth motion yet with a combination of flexibility and agility.