Strengthen your body with Pilates

Gentle workout method for holistic well-being

Pilates is a full-body workout that combines conscious movement with focused breathing. The holistic training method was invented by Joseph Hubert Pilates from Mönchengladbach, Germany, at the beginning of the 19th century. Despite his weak constitution, or maybe because of it, Pilates had been trying out various sports from early on in his life and eventually discovered boxing for himself. What he liked about sports in general was how he could gain control over his own body (especially while using his full attention when excecuting every movement) and how this in turn influenced his mind. He also understood the importance of breathing for body control early on. But when was Pilates, the holistic training method, invented? It happened about 100 years ago during WWI, when Mr. Pilates used it as a rehab method for wounded soldiers.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a gentle but intense full-body workout that focuses on the so-called “powerhouse” – the centre of the body, which extends from the ribs to the pelvis. Slow concious movements strenghten the deep muscles in the abdomen, pelvic floor, and lower back. These movements are combined with focused breathing: you exhale during exertion and inhale during the relaxation phases. The full-body workout strenghtens the body and calms the mind.

Pilates is based upon six principles:

Centering
Breathing
Control
Concentration
Precision
Flow

The benefits of Pilates

Pilates lengthens the muscles, releases tension, and tones the body from the inside out. Targeted training of the deep muscles in the abdomen, pelvis, and back stabilises the torso and promotes mobility in the body’s centre and pelvis. Posture and body awareness improve while the entire body is strengthened. All of the Pilates’ exercises are gentle on the joints. Furthermore, Pilates relieves back pain and prevents complaints in the hip, pelvis, and shoulder area. The interplay of body and mind is strengthened and stress is reduced. At our wellness hotels in South Tyrol, Pilates is often used as a holistic training method to improve mental and physical well-being.