New Year, New Me, am I right? How about you pick a resolution this year that you can stick to – one that will make your body feel strong and healthy; one that will reduce chronic pain and prevent injuries. Sound like a fairy tale? Then you have never taken a Pilates class.
Most people have never heard of this fantastic training modality, and that’s understandable! But here in Borden you have the chance to experience all its training benefits for yourself. Below are a few misconceptions of Pilates and how it can either be a valuable addition to your current training regime or a chance for a gentler introduction to the fitness world.
Myth: Pilates is only a core workout
Pilates will most definitely work your core. But first, we redefine core to mean your entire trunk; shoulders to pelvic floor. Second, Pilates works the whole body in various planes of motion to create a more optimally functional body. It teaches your muscles how to support your joints properly and increases the joint mobility while improving muscle strength and imbalances.
Myth: Only women do Pilates
Wrong! Pilates was initially invented by a man, Joseph Pilates, who began his work with military and law enforcement personnel during the First World War and was a boxer and circus performer himself. He actually called it ‘Contrology’. Eventually, moving to the United States, he transitioned by happenstance to working with dancers with the goal of preventing injuries and doing rehabilitation work. Today, many high-level athletes add Pilates into their workout routine: LeBron James (NBA), Martellus Bennet (NFL) and Auston Matthews (NHL) just to name a few!
Myth: Yoga and Pilates are the same thing
While there are many similarities for sure, each method approaches movement differently. Pilates centres on improving mobility and ease of movement through the body. Through a movement re-education approach, it teaches clients to precisely and competently control the movement of their joints and muscles so that they move better in their daily life. It focuses on proper joint and spinal alignment so that muscles can function optimally. This is accomplished by activating the smaller, more intrinsic muscles as opposed to the larger, more superficial ones. Pilates can also use many props and machines rather than staying with solely mat training. This makes it more versatile and accessible for all types of people.
Myth: Pilates is an extremely slow workout
It certainly can be. Some classes can have a restorative approach, which is targeted at people with serious musculoskeletal issues or chronic diseases. Other classes can have a much higher tempo with complex movements, leaving participants in pools of sweat at the end. Pilates definitely demands mental focus and introspection regardless of tempo. If you are looking for a CrossFit-style workout, Pilates is not going to deliver. However, it can allow you to train more effectively in those high intensity activities that you love and make bigger gains, sooner and with fewer injuries!
To learn more about this or any other training method, contact the Fitness and Sports team at Borden here.
By: Ashlyn Karosas, BSc., NSCA(CSCS)
Ashlyn Karosas has been working at Base Borden as a Fitness and Sports Instructor since January 2018. She was the fitness, sports and recreation supervisor in Latvia on OP REASSURANCE for 6 months in 2019/2020. She has her level 2 Pilates certification from Body Harmonics and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In her spare time Ashlyn enjoys getting outdoors, riding horses or relaxing on the couch with her family.
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