The Pilates method, which millions of people choose to take care of body and mind, has evolved and, currently, there are different ways to put it into practice. Using various accessories, performing their movements in the water, or even suspended in the air … Discover the types of Pilates and choose the one that can bring you the greatest benefits.
Pilates is based on the performance of a series of movements and exercises, some “harder” than it might seem, which together help increase strength, muscle tone, endurance and flexibility. The ability to concentrate, posture and breathing are also basic elements, which make it a global method that combines physical and mental work.
The surface where these exercises are performed, the accessories or the type of routine that is followed in each session have given rise to different types of Pilates that should be known.
The Pilates method and its modalities: which one is right for you?
If you are thinking of joining Pilates, find out well about what type of Pilates is practiced in the gym or center where you are going to go. The method has many modalities. Some focus on strength work, others seek to increase flexibility, or improve self-control … you also have Pilates with specific routines to lose weight, to help recovery after injury or to increase physical resistance.
What is better Pilates on the floor or with machines? What accessories can you use to start doing Pilates? Look at the Pilates modalities that you have at your fingertips and choose the one that can most help you in your goals.
1. Pilates on the floor or on a mat
It is the original Pilates, which combines smooth and constant movements with higher intensity exercises. It is ideal if you start in the method and want to discover all its possibilities. It is perfect to start learning movements and control breathing, gaining strength and elasticity. In this classic Pilates, different accessories have been incorporated to achieve a greater variety in each session and to increase, in some cases, the difficulty of the exercises. Among the most used accessories you have:
- Ball (Fit ball). The ball used in Pilates Fit ball contributes to improving balance and coordination of movements. It is also a perfect accessory if your goal is to achieve greater flexibility throughout your body.
- Elastic band. It adds resistance to any movement and is ideal for especially strengthening the core and arm muscles.
- Hoops. The Pilates ring routine is recommended if you already master the basic movements and exercises. Its use helps to work the smaller muscles of the back and upper extremities, as well as the ability to concentrate.
2. Pilates with machines
This type of Pilates incorporates specific equipment to achieve a more intense workout, which has little to envy that achieved by other common machines in any gym. These devices have given rise to various Pilate’s modalities such as:
- Pilates Reformer. It is practiced with the Reformer machine, a kind of bed that incorporates an upper platform that slides on rails. The exercises are carried out lying down and especially the back and abdomen are worked on it. If you want a Pilates that allows you to increase your muscle strength, this is yours.
- Pilates Cadillac. It is a device similar to the previous one but that incorporates a superior structure in which you can place other accessories (clamps, pulleys …). It allows practicing a multitude of exercises with a high level of difficulty but with total safety and zero impact. Ideal for keeping you in top shape while working on strength and flexibility.
- Chair for Pilates. It is another of the machines designed by the creator of the method, Joseph Pilates, designed mainly to work the lower body area. Widely used to strengthen the pelvis and spine.
3. New Pilates modalities
The method has managed to evolve and adapt to the specific needs of all its followers, giving rise to new types of Pilates, some really innovative such as:
- The Aqua Pilates, with all the benefits of this discipline but also performing the exercises in the aquatic environment to promote relaxation and minimize any impact
- The Pilates Air (also known as Pilates suspension ), which is performed using a rubber band wide subject to the ceiling and allows exercise “acrobatic”
- The Cross Pilates, which combines postural correction, respiratory work and the type of muscular work of Pilates, with the intensity and pace, looking to go to the limit as in Cross Fit.
If you want, you can also opt for the Hot Pilates, practiced in a room that maintains a high temperature (about 35º) to favor the elimination of toxins or the Aerobic Pilates, one of the modalities with greater acceptance, which consists of joining the movements of Pilate’s aerobic exercises to achieve greater calorie burn. Which one do you prefer?
