The year 2020 has come with a lot of surprises or rather shocks that too with a clamorous bang. Everyone has been ordained to stay at home for their and everyone else’s well-being. The stay at home routine has resulted in most of us becoming a couch potato. Even though potatoes are everyone’s favourite, it still needs to be sliced down for consumption. The same goes for you too.
Even the thought of those painful, muscle ripping and exhausting workouts gives many a shiver down their spine. The mere thought feels energy draining. But don’t worry, Pilates is a little different.
So enough of the Netflix and chill days and lounging on the couch for incessant hours. Get ready and pull up your socks to rock those pairs of trainers because great things never come from comfort zones.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of low impact exercise. The main aim of Pilates is to buttress the body muscles while enhancing the postural alignment of the body and flexibility. Pilates is the quintessence of the type of exercise that targets the core or the very foundation of the body. It also works in other areas of the body.
Two Types of Pilates Workouts
Pilates has two types of classes: mat classes and reformer classes.
The mat class involves the use of a mat which is slightly thicker than the regular yoga one. A thick mat is necessary for doing Pilates as it cushions pressure points while exercising.
Reformer classes of Pilates involve the use of a machine called a reformer. It is basically a sliding platform that has a stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that helps provide resistance to the body.
Both these classes concentrate and aim at body control.
Pilates WorkoutsWith or without equipment
Pilates can be done both ways, with or without the equipment. The most basic requirement is obviously the mat, which is usually provided at the gym. For amateurs, the beginner lessons are pretty simple and do not require the use of machines or equipment for exercises.
However, with an upgrade in learning lessons and moving towards more complex exercises, equipment is necessary. Machines like Wunda which is a padded chair, the Cadillac, spine corrector, a high chair and Magic ring, etc, are generally required for advanced lessons.
Pilates vs Yoga: Which one is better?
Yoga is a therapeutic exercise that binds body, soul, and mind together. It is more of a spiritual practice. It is a healing process to stabilize the mind and achieve mental peace through it. However, it is also performed on a mat like Pilates workouts. The different exercises in Yoga are meant for different reasons or impetuses.
Whereas, Pilates involves the usage of machinery to achieve desired goals. Pilates strives to improve the core of the body by making it flexible. It tries to strengthen the body from both inside and out.
However, Pilates, just like Yoga, also works to achieve the same goals with different exercises. Both techniques are quite famous and appreciated among people in the 21st century. Everyone wants to subsume these exercises to improve their lifestyle.
Pilates: Bollywood Diva’s fitness mantra
As everyone already knows, the lives of people in the Bollywood industry don’t involve a proper routine. In fact, the word ‘routine’ isn’t available in their dictionary and the concept of it is totally alien to them.
However, amidst all the hustle and bustle, Bollywood divas have sworn to abide by and follow their Pilates workout sessions regularly. Even if a storm comes or an earthquake occurs, these Bollywood chicas won’t stop.
Pilates WorkoutsOne can tell about their regular attendance at the gym by following the paparazzi’s daily gym outfits posts of these divas. Many actresses like Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ananya Pandey, and Nushrat Bharucha have made Pilates workout their fitness mantra.
Sweat now, Glow later
The secret behind these Bollywood divas’ fit, fierce, and fabulous selves is following the pilates exercises with determination consistently. The dramatic change or rather one could call it metamorphosis, that these actresses went through is self-evident through their social media posts.
They have taught us how to be the best version of ourselves by burning calories and making the fat cry in the form of sweat can improve the quality of our lifestyle.
After all, you won’t get the ass you desire by sitting on it.
Average cost of Pilates workout sessions
Generally, Pilates costs quite some fees as compared to other forms of exercise. In India, one session could cost at least average around Rs.1000 to Rs.3000, depending upon the gym and instructor chosen.
Pilates at home
Oftentimes, one desperately wants to work on their body but fails to do so, lacking the resources. Hitting the gym not only requires money for membership but time and commute availability as well. It is not necessary that everyone can afford all of these requirements.
But not to worry, Pilates classes are also accessible through the comfort of your homes. There are Pilates workout CDs available in the market. Besides CDs, many famous Pilates instructors have their own YouTube channels on which they regularly upload their Pilates workouts.
Pilates WorkoutsHowever, Pilates is worth every money spent. One should look at it as an investment, not an expense.
Importance of a fit body
Obviously, the final choice is yours. Whether one is going for Pilates workouts or any other type of physical activity, one should aim at nothing but fitness. Oftentimes, people forget to look after their fitness and wellness due to their busy schedules. This kind of ignorance results in many diseases and health problems. Even the slightest change in sleeping pattern or eating habits cause a vast difference in a person’s health.
With the advancement in technology, the advancement in new types of diseases is also happening in parallel. Almost every second person has some kind of disorder or disease. Regularly exercising keeps many diseases away. It helps boost both the mental and physical health of a person. Hence, build your future by building your body first.
Treat your body as a temple. Keep it clean and free of any bad energy. By maintaining its holiness you will eventually end up maintaining your lifestyle.
Work on yourself, for yourself.
Also Read; Full Body Stretching Routine
