If you’re on any form of social media, you have probably scrolled past a Pilates post at some point. Pilates is a trending, fun exercise, with many studios nationwide, which seems to be growing daily. Its popularity all seems so sudden, but why? Is Pilates really worth the hype? Is it as beneficial as some claim it to be?
Let’s start with what Pilates is. Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on form, flexibility, core muscles, strength, and endurance. Pilates’s primary focus is controlled movement, using body weight or light resistance to activate your abdominal muscles and proper breathing techniques. There are many different ways to perform Pilates. In some standard strength training, you may be lifting heavy, doing eight to twelve repetitions, whereas in Pilates, there is no set number of repetitions, nor will you be lifting heavy. Instead, classic Pilates focuses on the quality of the movement from body weight to lightweight. You may see the Pilates pros doing their exercises on a machine, which is called a reformer. A reformer is a multi-purpose exercise machine that contains a bed-like frame to support the sliding carriage, which is on top of it. Springs add resistance to the carriage, along with the usual ropes, a foot bar, and possibly more. There are also additions for the reformer, like boxes, jump boards, rings, or straps. You will find reformers in most Pilates studios, which, coming from a Pilates newbie, can be very intimidating. There are two types of Pilates methods: mat-based Pilates and equipment-based.
Pilates has many benefits; from the basic exercise benefits like increasing positive mood and strength, Pilates specifically can improve posture, decrease back pain, prevent injuries, increase energy, enhance body awareness, decrease stress, reduce menstrual pain, improve flexibility and mobility, improve balance, boost immunity, improve cognitive function and so on. The benefits of Pilates almost seem endless. Frankie Bruening has been practicing Pilates for about 2 years, and she has noticed many benefits and differences in her lifestyle (mentally and physically) since the start of her Pilates journey.
“Pilates is such a fun way to move your body, and by being in a community with encouraging women around you, it makes it so enjoyable and inspiring,” Bruening said.
Through social media, you may see many women practice Pilates and few to no men. It may seem like a “girly exercise” since you may not be lifting heavy, but of course, men can gain the same benefits. It may seem like Pilates is new since it is trending now, but Pilates is a very old form of exercise. Pilates originated from World War I and was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. It was originally used as a form of rehabilitation, and he actually used the hospital bed and the bed springs to help soldiers regain strength and mobility. After the war, he went on to develop Pilates, which kept evolving to the more advanced form we know today.
“I have never taken part in an actual Pilates class, but I definitely do exercises that would fall under Pilates exercise. I could see Pilates being a great way to build muscle endurance,” Dan Popio, Lakewood’s sports and exercise science teacher, said.
After reading and learning all these great things about Pilates, we had to see for ourselves what it was really like, and of course, there is no better way to do it than locally. Visiting Vital Pilates and Wellness Bar in Lakewood couldn’t have been a better experience. The moment you walk through the door, you are welcomed by a front desk employee and your instructor. Since it was our first time, we got a quick tour of a very aesthetically pleasing studio and a welcome card. We expressed our nerves and intimidation of Pilates as we were newbies, and the instructor, Carly, was so kind and assured us she would be there every step of the way. When class started, the instructor was very clear on direction, motivating, and overall a kind soul. It wasn’t a crazy, yelling positive affirmation environment like you may see in a cycle class or strength training class—instead, the class was almost like intense yoga. Don’t take it lightly, though; we were engaging muscles we didn’t even know we had. When class ended, we were asked how it went by the instructor and the front desk representative. We expressed how we loved the class but were insecure about our performance, and without hesitation, another participant told us how wonderful we did. That is the kind of culture Vital Pilates has. It is so positive and goes against all gym anxiety beliefs. For anyone intimidated by Pilates, whether it’s the culture or the machines you aren’t used to, Vital welcomes everyone who steps into their studio with open arms and encouraging words.
Don’t be fooled by the words “body weight” and “lightweight.” Pilates is a very difficult way to work out, especially with proper form.
“I was a D1 soccer player, I can lift heavy,” Cameron Shedenhelm, an alumnus from Kent State, said. “Pilates is one of the hardest forms of exercise I have ever done.”
Due to using slow movement and core stability, you really have to use your mental toughness to get through a workout. Don’t be surprised if you’re anything like us during your first pilates session, we were shaking, having to take small breaks, and getting confused on breaks. Pilates is not easy, but possible with endless benefits.
If you are sick of your local gym and lifting weights, Pilates might be a great option for you to try out. Unless you have a lot of experience doing Pilates, we can guarantee it will be a push for beginners (even if you’re a D1 soccer player). If you’re from Lakewood, check out the local studio, Vital Pilates and Wellness Bar, and if you’re not from Lakewood, with the upbringing of Pilates, there will definitely be one near you!
