Pilates is a physical fitness program by German bodybuilder Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate injured British soldiers from the first world war. The program involves a set of precise movements and breathings devised from both Western and Eastern origins for exercise and body conditioning. Pilates aims at achieving a set of spelled out principles: correct alignment, concentration, centering, control, precision, breathing, and flow. But what do these mean exactly?

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Pilates movements emphasize the core. The body’s core refers to the torso or trunk and the muscles surrounding it, which help stabilize the body. While improved balance, agility, and core strength are the main advantages of Pilates, other health benefits follow from there. Unlike gym workouts, Pilates exercises aim to lengthen the muscles and joints. This helps boost flexibility. It also adds no rigid bulk to the muscles but gives them more definition while increasing the range of motion. The flexibility of Pilates exercises also helps attain improvement in pelvic floor function. It serves as a Mood Booster: Pilates immediately boosts your mood. The activities can enhance your mood and divert you from unpleasant thoughts by altering the quantities of chemicals in your brain (such as serotonin, cortisol, and endorphins).

Although all forms of exercise cause a release of endorphins in the body, it has been discovered that Pilates, in particular, helps reduce anxiety and fatigue. Pilates can help you feel better because it allows you to socialize if you attend courses or work out with pals. It is easy to rid yourself of that slouch or hunch with Pilates and gain movement with better coordination and balance. A good Pilates workout will aim for optimal body structural alignment. It is even a rehabilitation technique used to treat spine diseases like scoliosis. Therefore, we conclude that Pilates can help grow your body physically and intellectually in various ways, including flexibility, core strength, balance, body awareness, and mental wellness.