The main goal of Pilates workouts is not to build muscle mass, as in the case with weight training. The training system of Pilates forms functional muscles, which improves the productivity of your body throughout life.

In lay terms what are Pilates?

You may have a question - what is so amazing about Pilates that is not found in other types of fitness?

The answer is simple - the correct system trains both the body and the mind.

Joseph Pilates combined the principles of Eastern and Western gymnastics. Training not only strengthens muscles, but teaches you to feel your body, live and move in harmony with yourself.

  1. Special breathing, which can be learned through Pilates, improves overall blood circulation.

  2. Each basic exercise works with all muscle groups - from the smallest to the main ones.

  3. The muscles are stretched to their normal state, their elasticity and tone are improved, and at the same time grace and freedom of movement are restored.

  4. All exercises are available for mastering - you can start practicing with any fitness level.

  5. There are no shock loads - the risk of any injury is minimal. Moreover, it is recommended to recover with pilates after serious injuries.

  6. For girls Pilates is essential - the exercises develop the internal muscles of the small pelvis. This helps during childbirth, as well as the recovery of the body afterwards.

Pilates has a positive effect on our emotional state. Smooth movements calm the nervous system. By straightening the muscles, blood circulation improves and tension subsides. A positive mental attitude can be created and nourished. And it is the thinking process that determines a person’s well-being, physical and mental health.

The Spine is a staff of life?

Joseph Pilates is credited with saying, “You are as young as your spine.” Indeed, a healthy spine is a guarantee of good health, because all organs and systems of our body are “fastened up” to it.

The Pilates system is specially designed to correct functional disorders of the spine. Exercises strengthen the core, the joints become more flexible and mobile, and posture and coordination improve. The ability to control the body, relax, and relieve tension is improved.

When you are young, it seems that only old people have back pain. Unfortunately, back pain often comes much earlier. Many girls, especially after pregnancy and childbirth, experience unpleasant back pain.

If your spine and muscles are strengthened, you will not be afraid of any osteochondrosis!

How to train correctly

Perform the exercises at a slow, smooth pace. Control the quality and technique of actions. Remember - in Pilates, quality prevails over quantity. This is exactly the case when less is more.

The main role in the classes is assigned to the abs - it must be in constant tension throughout the workout. If you dreamed of perfect abs, then your dream soon will soon come true. 

Breathe correctly - when inhaling, “press your navel towards your spine”, this helps create a flat abdominal wall. But don’t suck in your belly—it will cut off your breathing. 

Watch your back posture. You won’t believe it, but after just a few lessons, in everyday life in addition to training, you will be able to control your bearing and “hold” your back correctly.    

Where to begin

There are a lot of nuances in the technique of performing exercises, and no theory will make it possible to understand the full uniqueness of this system. Even breathing during classes needs to be done in a special way. It is not easy for beginners to understand this training system. But the final result depends on how correctly the exercise is performed.

The system uses a special breathing technique, which the instructor teaches during the training process. A set of exercises is performed sequentially, from simple to complex, with modifications and instructions for moving from exercise to exercise.

Jessica Casalegno accompanies the exercise with detailed comments. She explains why each element is being performed, what muscle groups are being worked, and she explains the technical nuances. Classes are conducted at an optimal pace.

After classes, you will feel pleasantly tired. You'll sense every cell of your light, flexible and healthy body.

Pilates workouts on FitStars with a star instructor will give you a powerful boost of motivation and inspire you to work on yourself!