Pilates is suitable for people of all ages and can be performed by men, women, children, pregnant women and the elderly who already practice some type of physical activity and also for sedentary people, helping to stretch and strengthen the muscles, improving the strength and flexibility of the whole body.
This activity requires coordination between body and mind and, therefore, a lot of concentration and control between breathing is necessary for the correct performance of the movements, as Pilates works the whole body, with the main muscles used being the abdominals, glutes and back.
How to do Pilates exercises
There are 2 ways to practice the exercises, which can be performed on the floor using your own body weight and some instruments such as weights, springs and balls, or using specific Pilates equipment. Both techniques have several benefits such as losing weight, defining the body, increasing strength, improving balance and flexibility, but they should be performed under the guidance of an instructor, especially when the person has never practiced Pilates before.
Benefits of Pilates for every stage of life
The main benefits of the Pilates method for each stage of life are listed below.
1. Pilates for Seniors
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, ideal for seniors with or without muscle, bone or tendon injuries or who haven’t had any exercise recently. It also helps to maintain weight, increase flexibility, and improve coordination and balance.
2. Pilates for athletes
The Pilates method promotes the development of technique, strength and flexibility that contributes to a better performance in the practice of other sports such as soccer, tennis or weight training, and in addition, it can help reduce sports injuries.
3. Pilates for kids and teenagers
This method helps children learn the limits of their own bodies, develop muscles and gain flexibility and good breathing, contributing to healthier growth and development.
4. Pilates for pregnant women
Pilates exercises bring benefits to pregnant women, such as strengthening muscles, reducing back pain and helping to prevent urinary incontinence, which is common in pregnancy. However, special attention should be paid because some exercises can lead to imbalance, favoring a fall. See a list of pilates exercises that pregnant women can do.
5. Pilates to recover from an injury
The practice of Pilates can help regain mobility after trauma such as fractured bones, muscle dislocation, back pain such as low back pain. However, in this case it is important that the classes are guided by the physiotherapist with knowledge of the method so that the best exercises can be performed to speed up recovery.
