Categories >> Treatments >> Relaxation Response (Moving) >> Pilates
Pilates is a type of exercise and body conditioning first used as a way for dancers to recover from injury. Today, people other than dancers do Pilates for its health benefits. It highlights precise movements, controlled breathing, and muscle engagement, enhancing muscle tone and stability. Pilates focuses on core strength through structured exercises and slowly gets more challenging. The exercises are usually done in a specific order, one right after another. The movements have names like “The 100,” Criss-Cross,” the “Elephant,” and the “Swan.”
The moves may look simple, but they take a lot of precision and control. It’s not like doing a bunch of crunches; there’s a strong emphasis on technique. You can do Pilates on an exercise mat, either in a gym or studio with special equipment and a trainer who can supervise you, or at home using streaming or video services. Pilates classes typically take 45 minutes to an hour, but you can do fewer moves in less time.