Of the different workouts on the scene, Pilates has remained popular, and it has even grown in popularity over the past few decades. T his workout system engages the body and mind with a series of controlled movements designed to lengthen and strengthen muscles, particularly the hips, back, abdominals and gluteals, without making you look or feel like you’re gaining giant, bulky muscles. It is an anaerobic exercise, so you’ll want to incorporate it into a regular workout regimen that includes activities that gets your blood pumping and your heart rate up.

Movements in Pilates workouts

The Pilates Principles focus on breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow. Practitioners at Soul City keep these principles in mind as they lead classes in this form of Pilates at the studio.

A Pilates workout often includes the following moves, in this particular order: the roll up, the roll over, one leg circle, rolling back, one leg stretch, double leg stretch, spine stretch, rocker with open legs, cork screw, saw, swan dive, one leg kick, double leg kick, neck pull, scissors, bicycle, shoulder bridge, spine twist, jack knife, side kick , teaser, hip twist, swimming, leg pull, kneeling side kick, side bend, boomerang, seal, crab, rocking, control balance, and the pushup.

Props in Pilates workouts

Pilates practitioners may use a variety of props to complete specific movements in the exercise program. Props that may help to elevate the challenge in your Pilates workout include the Magic Circle, an exercise ring that adds resistance to create more challenge; tension bands, which are used to stretch and strengthen the muscles; and the roller, which loosens up the connective tissue of the body, including the myofascial system and again, adds more challenge to the movements in a Pilates workout.

Benefits of Pilates workouts

Regular practice of these movements can improve your mind-body connection, as well as your alignment, posture and mental alertness. On top of those benefits, you’ll also improve the strength of your core muscles and your posture, which will help you to achieve a longer, leaner look. If you’re looking for a low-impact workout to add to your weekly regimen, Pilates is a great addition to any workout. It helps you to avoid injury with other workout regimens because it can improve your flexibility and range of motion.

Regularly engaging in Pilates workouts will help you to gain muscle without creating bulky muscles, because the movements are designed to fully extend muscle before the contraction. You’ll gain greater awareness of how you’re breathing as you move through your daily life during and outside of workouts; you’ll learn how to stand correctly and have better coordination. You may even burn a decent amount of calories throughout the workout.

Origins of Pilates workouts

This exercise program was developed in the 1920s, by Joseph and Clara Pilates, who opened the “Body Conditioning Gym” in New York City, and offered workouts based on movements created by Joseph Pilates himself.

At Soul City, we start with an assessment to learn more about a client’s abilities, goals and their needs. Once that is complete, we design an individualized session, and work through the session with the client to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment of the workout.