The different styles of Pilates

The benefits of Pilates are widely recognized by its practitioners. But there are other styles of the sport beyond the classic.

Joseph Pilates got his major influence in martial arts, yoga and meditation, to create his Pilates method. It is a known physical and mental wellness carrier method to those who practice it, as it works the body to improve strength and flexibility. That’s why it is being more used in rehabilitation of certain physical problems.

The main benefits are that it works the whole body, paying attention to the physical and the spiritual factor. Special attention is paid to correct body posture during the execution of the exercises and breathing techniques, which are essential to facilitate the exercises or increase your endurance.

Pilates can be practiced on the ground, in machines or as a form of rehabilitation, which is called Clinical Pilates.

The most practiced Pilates type is on the ground, on top of fitness mats and using elements like balls, elastic bands, rollers or half circles in order to perform the exercises. Its aim is to create resistance in order to increase intensity. It is also known as matwork Pilates.

But you can also choose other types that use more elaborate devices. We’re talking Studio Pilates. Practitioners have at their disposal several devices. Reformer, trapeze table, chair, spine corrector or ladder barrel are some devices names initially designed by Joseph Pilates to who couldn’t do the exercises on the floor.

Despite the difficulty difference, any of these forms of Pilates brings excellent results. For beginners, it is recommending Pilates with machines, as it requires less effort due to the use of the machines, that boost the movements, diminishing the effort of the body. They use spring systems, which can increase or decrease the difficulty of the exercises, this equipment’s facilitate the execution of the movements as well as the balance of the body.

Pilates practiced on the floor is more physically demanding, since it uses the body’s own strength. As it requires greater physical effort, this style produces faster results.

Clinical Pilates is a more contemporary form of therapy, evolving from the classical, the physiotherapists have adapted it from the original exercises and focused its activity in the rehabilitation of health problems like low back pain or muscle recovery.