“There’s no question about it: Pilates is back in vogue. And yet: “It’s been around for so long,”
That’s a direct quote from Nonna Gleyzer a celebrity Pilates Instructor based in Los Angeles. The fitness industry is well renowned for subscribing to the latest trends in body transformation. Sometimes it feels like the weirder/extreme the trend, the more notoriety it may receive. Take for example: Goat Yoga in Oregon, Mermaid Swimming in Australia, “Plogging” which is picking up litter as you jog –a very environmentally conscious workout developed in Sweden. Sometimes the amount of choices can feel overhwelming from all of the options. However, you will also discover that one “trend” that continues to pop up everywhere – Pilates. But why is it so popular? What is Pilates? And what are the Pilates benefits? Is it just a trend?
Unlike other intense fitness styles, Pilates bases itself on a different calling. Instead of a heart-pounding 30-minute burn to undo yesterday’s bad lunch, you can choose Pilates exercises that are actually sustainable and will pay off in the long run. It focuses on building strength and flexibility, as well as improving posture, and, most importantly – elevating your mental awareness. While some were convinced that Pilates was simply a “trend,” its popularity continues to grow steadily year over year. Research from global insights platform Research Dive reveals that “Pilates will experience notable growth at a compound annual growth rate of 10% between 2021 and 2028.” Why? Well it’s a combination of things. Before COVID, high intensity workouts were on the rise and extremely popular. Some even considered them a “threat” to the pilates industry itself. People wanted instant results and were willing to experiment the latest “hot workout trend.” But then COVID hit and all of the gyms closed. During that closure there was a massive change in perspective from consumers. Perhaps people spent some time thinking about how these high intensity workouts were not sustainable. People wanted a workout that reduced pain -not caused more. Los Angeles Pilates instructor Nonna Gleyzer said it best:
Since the reopening of gyms, there has actually been an increase in more low impact workouts, instead of high intensity workouts. Pilates workouts are so effective, so transformative, and reduce pain rather than increasing pain. Therefore people include Pilates into their lifestyle rather than taking a few classes then quitting. Pilates, although nothing new, continues to stay popular because it’s effective, it’s sustainable, and you get results.
Benefits of Pilates
One of the most significant benefits of pilates is that it significantly aids in easing leg, back, and shoulder stiffness. I think that’s one of the most common reasons people may turn to Pilates. He or she is experiencing pain and would prefer a holistic route for relief. Imagine experiencing pain relief without medication. That’s what Pilates is capable of.
Pilates also increases the body’s inherent capacity to burn fat. It improves muscle mass – which is significant since muscle mass boosts basal metabolic rate, or simply put, the number of calories your body burns during its rest phase.
Pilates encourages physical awareness and mindfulness. It teaches you to stay in tune with your body and mind – to be present in the moment, while you exercise and gain strength. In contrast, weightlifting and other strength training exercises promote the idea of pushing your body to its limits.
Mat Pilates Classes:
Mat Pilates – it’s what everyone’s talking about these days. Why? Because mat Pilates is perfect for toning muscles, increasing flexibility, improving your posture, increasing efficiency in movement, and improving the mind/body connection. In fact, you get about every single benefit that the Pilates Method has to offer through mat work. The only difference is that you aren’t utilizing the reformer. Instead you use equipment such as: free weights, bands, an overball, a Franklin Ball, a magic circle, and a Yoga Block. Pilates equipment adds an element of moderate resistance training, which is important in your overall fitness plan.
Mat Pilates is purposeful and works explicitly at the core. Particularly those of the harder-to-see core muscles that are essential for mobility and good health. Although you may feel like you’re struggling to maintain some of the positions, the pain is worth the gain. Having a strong core also lessens back discomfort. For example, the muscles in the lower back might occasionally tighten up when we have a weak core. Therefore, we must build strong, healthy muscles around the spine to support it and retain it in its precise position.
You can also combine Mat Pilates Classes with Pilates Reformer Classes and engage in a complete full-body workout, improving your heart, endurance, and strength.
Pilates Reformer Classes
You may enhance your Pilates training by utilizing a Pilates reformer, which is the traditional piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, himself. The reformer was originated in the 1920s when Pilates was first created. It kind of looks like a bed with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. We specifically use the Allegro II Pilates Reformer.
Most of the classes at Form and Movement involve the use of the Reformer. The reformer is great because it’s a simple machine that offers a wide variety of exercises. “The reformer assists the individual in achieving the goals of Pilates, which include the use of diaphragmatic breathing to organize the body’s posture through coordinated movements with an emphasis on postural control.” says Julie O’Connell, a therapist at Physio Physical Therapy. Your entire body will get a workout since you must employ both upper and lower body muscles. As a result, you can benefit from greater general fitness and increased muscle definition.
Now, what’s the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates class? Mat classes will use body weight and free weights for exercises. The reformer classes add resistance to the exercises through the use of the springs that form part of the machine. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you try a mat pilates class before the reformer class.
The bottom line
So, in case you’re wondering if Pilates is just a trend. It’s not. It’s growing in popularity and we’re delightfully not surprised. If you’re looking for a wonderful workout that isn’t only popular and “trendy” but also sustainable and transformational, we truly hope you will join us for a class. We’d love for you to see what all the fuss is about.
We offer discounts for new clients. You can check them out here! See you in class!
Did we spark your interest to give it a shot? Then book your first class now!