Pilates Variations: A Simple Guide
Your Simplified Guide to the Different Variations of Pilates
There are many different types of Pilates, which is an exercise form that utilizes different ranges of controlled movements designed in a way to enhance physical endurance, posture, and flexibility.
These movements are generally directed at your core to make your body conditioned and make stronger, more sculpted muscles with no extra bulk.
What you aspire to is a toned and sleek body. These exercises will help in improving your posture from the core and abdominal strength that you will get through these specific types of controlled movements.
It is suggested that Pilates is known to bring positive results to your health and fitness in as little as 10 to 12 weeks. However, the key is to do these exercises on a regular basis as inconsistency will not do you any good.
Discipline, practice, and consistency are, therefore, the most important elements you need to consider while doing Pilates as an exercise for improving your bodily health and fitness levels.
The Main Different kinds of Pilates in a nutshell
If you are wondering which Pilates class to try, you can get help by first understanding the different types of Pilates, the similarities and the differences among them. As you dive deeper into the different styles, you will be able to find out the type of Pilates that will best suit you.
Mat Pilates
This type of Pilates is one of the easiest to do as it is done on the floor and needs no additional equipment. This type of Pilates aims at developing strength from the core, and it is usually done in large groups. In such a way, make sure that you consider that you will get limited attention from the fitness instructor.
Summing up Mat Pilates
Develops strength from the core
Requires just a mat and your own bodyweight
Normally carried out in large groups
Contemporary Pilates
This type of Pilates integrates different traditional Pilates exercises, combined with other exercise forms such as fitness training, yoga, and physiotherapy. It might also include options for props like balls, foam rollers, and resistance bands.
This type of Pilates generally does not follow the same training structure as the schedule of its traditional counterparts. A contemporary Pilates exercise might get inclined towards how the equipment is utilized , for example, a Pilates mat or a Pilates reformer.
Summing up contemporary Pilates
Often uses equipment such as balls and blocks
Incorporates different forms of exercise within the practice
You may use a mat or a reformer machine, so check the class details before you sign up
Group Reformer Pilates
This type of Pilates gives a full-body exercise, dynamic on an equipment piece, which is known as the Reformer.
The group reformer Pilates focuses on the flow of the exercise. In these classes, you will undergo a series of exercises using the reformer equipment. Such types of exercises are directed towards increasing your strength, physical balance, and flexibility.
These types of classes are usually directed to be conducted for eight to thirty people together. This means that the instructor does not get the chance to actually interact on a one-to-one level and pay attention to your specific concerns and goals.
Summing up Group Reformer Pilates
You’ll be working with the reformer machine, but don’t be scared, you’ll get the hang of it
A focus on strength is a clear benefit
The class will have people of different standards, so don’t be shy
An example of Reformer Pilates
Clinical Pilates
Clinical Pilates has just become trendy for the assumed association with the medical profession.
On the other side, this name could be misleading, as this type of Pilates usually discredits the classical Pilates methodology and acknowledgement of the way how the body works, and instead, it uses Pilates equipment as the tool for treating certain injuries.
The approach does not have the holistic nature of Pilates. It also does not succeed in addressing the needs of the individual person beyond the scope of basic rehabilitation.
Classic Pilates
Classic Pilates has its foundation laid on the original Pilates form that was designed in the 1920s. It is a great mixture of both equipment and mat workouts. It is a great complicated type of Pilates as the entire human body is involved in it.
However, the best of it all is that it aids in strengthening the core and other muscles of the body. It utilizes basic Pilates equipment as one tool for treating a specific injury.
Group Classes
The classes in which you find at least ten students every class are group Pilates classes. These classes are generally mat classes, but the types of classes that need a reformer are termed as allegro classes.
The actual characteristic of this type of class is that all the participants do exactly the same or similar exercises. These classes are done in time with other types or in sequence, which is the case for circuit classes. One instructor demonstrates or corrects these exercises.
The only limitation that comes with such types of classes is that the exercises are quite generic, and the fitness instructor has only a limited capacity to correct people. Another point is that group classes are quite affordable and make room for more socialization.
Private Classes
Almost all studios provide semi-private or private classes for individuals. These types of classes might consist of one to six people, and the learner gets a lot more guidance and attention from the Pilates instructor.
Depending on what the style of Pilates is, private classes come with a unique program of different exercises that are developed specifically for people and get variation from one class to another. However, you should note that private Pilates classes are somewhat less affordable.
Some other types include group reformer Pilates classes, circuit classes, and group chair classes. The classes generally come with a smaller group of participants as compared with mat classes.
The Final word on the different types of Pilates
There are many popular types of Pilates that are made to fulfil your needs in a manner that suits you the best in achieving your health and fitness goals. Suppose you are looking forward to relieving your stress through a workout and want some private sessions where your focus is on mindfulness rather than making machines and equipment, such as what is being offered in a private traditional Pilates class.
The actual point is to make your Pilates workout regime an overall plan for health and fitness, no matter what type of Pilates you select. Finally, whatever the type of class, you can choose Pilates instructors and also get their own element to Pilates that makes your sessions more interesting.
