Are you acquainted with the term Pilates? Pilates is a low impact exercise that enhances muscle strength along with body posture and body alignment. Elaborate study reports and rigorous scientific examinations have established the health benefit associated with Pilates. Practitioners say that doing Pilates on a regular basis can ensure an endurance to the muscle ensure better joint mobility and flexibility. In addition, Pilates can reduce tension and stress as well. In the case of professional dancers and athletes, it complements their training to develop flexibility and whole-body strength as well as reduce the risk of injuries.
Things To Consider While Choosing An Apparatus Or A Mat
You can choose between doing it on. You can also choose to do Pilates apparatus on just on a mat on the floor in your home or at a gym. It depends on your convenience. There are about 500 exercises created by Joseph Pilates and included in the system of which 34 of them are mat exercises.
However, there are a few things that you should consider before choosing an apparatus or a Mat for performing the task:
1. The Level Of The Performer:
Pilates expert typically recommends mat classes especially for the beginners and to add Reformer work for any average student after completing three months of mat classes taken once in a week. There are several reasons for suggesting the mat instead of an apparatus. It helps the beginners to acquire a foundation using a mat for Pilates. Besides using a mat helps to control the effects of the external challenge source and it emphasizes on learning the proper ways to control your muscles during the exercises. However, all these are good for beginners as long as the exercises are restricted to the basics and are of extremely low impact. Advanced classes on mats for beginners and even the intermediates are more challenging and hardest.
2. Consider Alternative Ways To Exercise:
Both mat and apparatus Pilates can be followed according to the ability of the performer as well as the level of fitness that varies from one person to another. However, the apparatus will provide you with many different alternative ways to exercise. Typically, Pilates is taught in a group, but it can also be taught on a one-on-one basis as well if need be.
3. Analyze The Level Of Individual Attention:
If you are a beginner and know that you suffer from a specific medical or health condition that requires close attention, you must choose a suitable Pilates class and method consulting with the teacher. Usually, classes that use apparatus are more expensive but will provide you with a higher level of individual attention.
4. Effectiveness:
Pilates mat class size typically ranges from three to 30 and for newcomers it is offered in smaller sessions. Offering personalized instruction, the teacher follows a series of flowing choreography. It may include standing and one-leg exercises. On the other hand, Pilates on a Reformer can seem like torture for some. It controls tension and resistance while doing the exercises from a range of positions even standing. Due to the contraptions, resistance will be created by the spring and pulley system. That is why you are requested to start apparatus Pilates after a few months of private sessions. However, it provides a result sooner.
The List Of Exercises On Mat And Apparatus
Mat exercises involve traditional exercises such as:
- Hand weights
- Magic circles
- Stretch bands
- Foam rollers and
- Gym balls.
Pilates with apparatus involves equipment that was designed by Joseph Pilates himself such as:
- The Reformer
- Wunda Chair
- Cadillac
- Spine Corrector and
- Ladder Barrel.
. It is easier as compared to a Reformer session. Often gyms that are not full Pilates studios offer mat classes charging no additional fess sometimes from the members. Be wise to choose the right method after consultation.
