Joseph Pilates a German fitness enthusiast and a self-taught athlete created ‘Contrology’ now known as Pilates. Not many are aware that this exercise regime was originally intended for men.
Joseph Pilates rehabilitated prisoners of war and helped many soldiers recover from their injuries using his method of ‘Contrology’. Men normally engage in high impact exercise regimes which mostly activates one’s dominant muscle groups which in turn creates muscle imbalances. The non-dominant muscles tend to become tight, weak and prone to injuries.
Practicing Pilates regularly helps in lengthening and strengthening the muscles correctly, increases the range of motion in the joints and promotes overall development of the body. High intensity workouts don’t pay close attention to effective breathing mechanisms. Pilates on the other hand promotes attentive breathing while performing each and every movement. This allows one to concentrate on the task at hand and in turn allows the chance to practice some mindfulness. Gym workouts often emphasize on spot training for muscular development which again causes posture and muscular imbalance. On the contrary Pilates offers integrative benefits such as core strength, flexibility, balance and efficient movement patterns which can all be very beneficial for Men. Pilates exercises trains the body to move from the centre which develops core strength (just not the abs but the entire mid-range – diaphragm to pelvic floor), stabilizes the trunk and protects the back. Hence every form of movement in one’s daily life becomes efficient and comfortable. So, whether you lift weights, run marathons, like to golf, cycle or swim or even just looking to improve your health & fitness, Pilates can help you do it better & smarter.