in ,

The Truth About Pilates — 5 Facts Everyone Should Know

This form of exercise has been stretched out for almost a century. Here we reveal the truth about pilates — you may be surprised.

The Truth About Pilates — 5 Facts Everyone Should Know
Photo: Ash Hayes

What is the truth about pilates?

Well for starters, it’s far from a fad and not just a trend. In fact, the technique known as pilates has been practiced in gyms for almost a century.

Jennifer Scherer, certified personal trainer and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio in Fredericksburg, VA says, “When the program is tailored to meet your specific needs, it can do wonders to help you heal, strengthen, and improve overall wellness.”

Scherer informs us that a study published in the April 2022 issue of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity reports that physical activity like Pilates can help improve sleep quality. Another study says that Pilates may help improve pain and strength in young and middle-aged people with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Additional studies show that Pilates helps with reducing blood pressure, help older people prevent falls, and more.

But who came up with it? What are the benefits? How will it help? All excellent questions, and the experts at Fredericksburg Fitness Studio have come up with some excellent answers.

They informed us that the truth about pilates is that it’s super beneficial and has a history with a woman at its core.

According to the Pilates Foundation, Joseph Pilates is credited with inventing this form of exercise back in the 1920’s. He and his wife Clara first opened up ‘Body Conditioning Gym’ in New York City (more on her and why you’ll really thank her later).

Since then, Pilates has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 12 million people stretching their way to a healthier body. Practicers of Pilates have done the exercises at home and at studios made just for this type of technique, all over the world.

So, with that in mind, take a deep breath, relax and let us tell you the truth about Pilates — five facts you should absolutely know, and why you may be adding this to your fitness routine pronto.

The Truth About Pilates— 5 Facts You Should Know

1. Three main principles

Pilates is a physical activity based on three principles: breath, whole-body health, and whole-body commitment. It focuses on breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow.

2. You had us at ‘sleep’

Photo: Vladislav Muslakov

Sure, Pilates helps with improved flexibility, balance and cognitive functioning. But, our ears perked up when we saw it also helps with sleep quality. Frankly, that alone is enough to have us jumping on the nearest reformer.

If you’re looking for a multi purpose sleep aid, consider the fact that that those who practice Pilates also report improved energy levels and core strength. We will excuse you now to go tell Siri to find the nearest Pilates studio.

Don’t believe us? Then take a look at this study done by the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.

3. Everybody wins

Turns out doing Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, as well as both men and women. It can help people treat a wide range of conditions, improve overall health, and strengthen the mind, body, and spirit connection, no matter what your age or gender. In other words, it is good for just about everyone.

4. Back me up

The Truth About Pilates — 5 Facts Everyone Should Know
Photo: Jacob Bentzinger

We women tend to carry just more than fashionable purses packed with our hopes and dreams. We carry stress and anxiety. And a lot of it can manifest itself in our back.

Pilates is said to reduce back pain and stress. While we could lump ‘a better back’ into one of the many benefits, we felt this was worth its very own. We ladies know that when our back is out, so are we. Anything that can prevent this is aces in our book.

5. Just for you

Much like a fitness trainer in a gym, pilates can be tailor made to each particular persons needs. That means your exercise program is customizable to YOU.

We can attribute this customization to Clara Pilates, wife of creator Joseph Pilates. She was the one who developed a personalized protocol for Pilates. You go girl!

If, after reading the truth about Pilates, you decide that you absolutely must try it ASAP, contact your nearest Pilates studio for help devising your own personalized plan. Good luck, and happy stretching!

This form of exercise has been stretched out for almost a century. Here we reveal the truth about pilates — you may be surprised.