After 10 sessions you will feel the difference, after 20 you will see it, and after 30 you will have a completely new body - Joseph Pilates used to say. The technique, which was initially addressed mainly to injured war veterans, but also actors and dancers, today is considered one of the best ways to sculpt and firm the figure, as well as gain greater control over your own body. We talk with Patrycja Choińska, a Pilates instructor and physiotherapist at Sense Studio about the benefits of incorporating this technique into daily workouts. And together we refute several myths.
In 1926, a big hurricane hits Miami, the silent film "Torrent" makes Greta Garbo debut, the NBC station starts, and the famous Route 66 is created between Chicago and Los Angeles. At that time, Joseph Pilates opened his first studio in Manhattan, New York. The exercise method developed by the German athlete and his wife Klara is quickly gaining popularity among injured dancers, actors on stage, as well as war veterans who thanks to it rebuild mobility and strengthen their muscles. Pilates runs his studio until his death in 1967. He is then taken over by his wife, who is recognized by many as the greatest Pilates teacher in the world. The technique that Joseph and Klara have developed together over the years, in the 90s is for good entering the mainstream. Screen stars, models and all women expecting clear effects fall in love with her, but not necessarily ready for intense exercise. Today pilates are practiced by Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna, the most famous models with Doutzen Kroes and Hailey Bieber at the forefront and influencers (Vanessa Hong, Olivia Lopez). They all agree: Pilates shapes your body like no other technique.
Pilates is another dimension of communication with your body and spirit - says Patrycja Choińska, instructor and physiotherapist at Sense Studio in Warsaw. - When we are just beginning our adventure with pilates, we should be ready to experience a completely different kind of physical effort than before. Pilates, as a technique that seems to be in opposition to intense and rapidly increasing the pressure of aerobic exercises, will therefore be an ideal solution for all those who are bored with HIIT type trainings or traditional group-wide general development activities. Which does not mean that they will help you lose weight as much as they do.
Because the main premise of pilates is not burning fat, but modeling and sculpting the figure. So if our goal is to lose weight, it is worth interlacing pilates with intensive cardio, e.g. cycling or - in the footsteps of models - boxing (even a special hybrid of boxing and pilates, i.e. piloxing, was created). This technique will also be very popular with yoga. Other aspects to which Choińska draws attention will also be important: - A proper diet, amount of sleep and exercise as well as stress reduction will give a fully measurable effect. The trainer also advises that for beginners, adventure with pilates start from two or three trainings a week and give yourself into the hands of professionals who will safely learn how to use equipment and introduce pilates.
It is the latter that has a key impact on the effectiveness of training. It is in her that one should look for the source of all its benefits (as Patrycja Choińska says, in addition to sculpting the figure it also improves flexibility and balance as well as greater endurance). Some see her secret in six main principles on which training should be based: centering, concentration, coordination, precision, smooth movement and breathing. Centering, which for beginners may sound the most mysterious, is nothing but voltage control. body center. As Patrycja Choińska explains, focusing on the center, i.e. deep muscles, makes the whole body work harmoniously. - We evenly stretch and strengthen the body, reaching places that require special work from us - says the trainer. - Thanks to this we prevent injuries and pains, e.g. of the spine.
Who is switching from dynamic aerobic exercise to Pilates, afraid of monotony and boredom, may forget about their fears. Classic Pilates are up to 500 different exercises! In addition, depending on your condition, preferences and level of sophistication, Pilates can be grown on a floor mat or using specialized equipment such as a reformer, Wunda Chair and Cadillac. The latter (also known as pilates trapeze) is the most advanced machine, but this does not mean that it is reserved only for professional athletes. It will also work as a rehabilitation and physiotherapy equipment as a tool for everyday training. After all, the inspiration for its creation was a hospital bed on which patients in reclining or lying position performed the first exercises during convalescence.
It is a myth, therefore, that Pilates is a discipline designed primarily for women. - It can be grown by people of all ages and sexes- says Patrycja Choińska. - The only contraindications to practicing classic pilates in our Sense Studio are pregnancy, cancer and a condition just after surgery and injuries. It would also be unfair to limit the benefits of this technique to physical aspects only. As a discipline involving deep muscles, based on smoothness of movement, coordination and precision, it improves vitality, increases energy levels and reduces stress. - Its effects can also be seen in the way he moves. The gait becomes light and free. We learn thanks to him mindfulness and self-focus. Pilates is therefore a system of exercises that not only sculpts, but also harmonizes the body.
