Improving flexibility and core strength through Pilates may positively impact your self-perception. However, it doesn't guarantee a enhanced self-liking.
In the ever-evolving world of fitness, Club Pilates has emerged as a popular and accessible option, often compared to the ubiquitous Starbucks. With a traditional fitness room setting and relatively affordable prices, it has become a go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike.
At the heart of Club Pilates are the Pilates classes, which offer a range of intensities depending on the studio or instructor. These classes cater to individuals of various fitness levels, making it an inclusive and welcoming environment.
One such individual is Rae Townsen, a 31-year-old film props assistant. She discovered Pilates during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic through YouTube videos and has since transitioned to attending classes in person. Townsen appreciates the inclusivity of Pilates, stating that it never makes her feel self-conscious for adjusting certain moves to suit her body.
The regulars at Club Pilates stream in, greeted by name and with enthusiastic hellos, creating a sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere. April West, a 53-year-old woman, is one such regular. Initially, she thought the class would be mainly stretching, but she soon realised it was an actual workout. Seven years after her first day, she still attends classes for the community and the practice of connecting with her body and staying strong as she ages.
Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s as a physical exercise system for athletes and injured soldiers. Over the years, it has undergone various transformations. In the 1980s, Jane Fonda's Workout videos borrowed heavily from Pilates, encouraging women to improve their appearance. However, Pilates offers more than just a means to achieve a specific body type. It provides improvements in core strength, flexibility, and balance, and can also help with stress relief, as well as anxiety and depression.
Louise Mansfield, professor of sport, health and social sciences at Brunel University of London, notes that in the 19th century, there was a growing acceptance of physical activity among women, but activities had to be appropriately "feminine". Despite the language around Pilates shifting over the years, our fixation on thinness and all it represents is still ingrained, with success often based on appearance. However, Pilates, with its focus on strength and body awareness, offers a refreshing alternative.
Reformer Pilates, performed on a reformer machine for additional resistance and support, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. While the cost of reformer Pilates classes can be significantly higher than traditional gym memberships, many find the benefits worth the investment. Two groups seem to be gravitating toward Pilates: older people looking to retain their strength, and younger women seeking that long and lean look.
Among those 60 years of age and older, Pilates has been shown to slow the process of senescence, making it an attractive option for the elderly population. Joseph Hubertus Pilates, the person who revitalized the development of Reformer Pilates and was a pioneer in developing the Reformer machine, would be proud to see how his work has evolved and impacted so many lives.
In conclusion, Club Pilates offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all fitness levels and body types. Whether you're looking for a challenging workout or a means to improve your overall health and well-being, Pilates could be the solution you've been searching for.
