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Why Pilates? What is Pilates? What do we need it for? Should we make time for it, when we have a thousand of other things...

Why Pilates? What is Pilates? What do we need it for? Should we make time for it, when we have a thousand of other things a day to deal with? Among so many ways of controlling our bodies, muscles and minds, what is so special about Pilates? Is it just a 20th century invention meant to create an overdose of notions?

Pilates - which combines exercises of body and mind – does not only relieve tensions and stress, but stimulates creativity and generates a feeling of self esteem. Pilates is a complex and dynamic system developed by Joseph Pilates (Germany born gymnast) , that includes mind, thought, the formation of stronger muscles and correct breathing. Pilates was right to say: “It is the mind that builds the body.”

Ever since the beginning of time there has been a fight for a healthy body and a healthy mind. There have been many attempts made trying to separate the body from the mind, as well as from the soul. Lately this belief has been changed and the exact contrary has been shown: there is a very strong connection between our body and soul. We all know how pleasantly tired and relaxed we feel after a walk in the park or half hour on the treadmill. Physical exercises create changes in blood circulation, changes that influence the functions of our brain, as well as those of our body. The aim of Pilates is to create perfect harmony between physical and mental health.

The Pilates training method is unique in the sense that the exercises require a lot of focus from our behalf. With every move we make, the brain is the one responsible for our concentration, and not the body. Our thoughts are the ones truly controlling our movements and actions.

Apart from the mental aspect of Pilates, there is another one of self reconciliation, clearing our minds, thus allowing us to achieve inner peace and living each moment to the fullest. Pilates shows us how to reach a deeper inner understanding, our interior being is calm and the focus is no longer on insignificant issues. Stress is given a bigger part in our day to day lives than it deserves. With every click of the remote control and with every flip of the newspaper pages, we are reminded of the restless world we live in. We each have our own particular way of dealing with stress. Some may turn to a glass of red wine, others might look for a cigarette to relieve the stress and enjoy a moment of tranquility. But Pilates is probably the best method of eliminating tensions, because it deals with the issue from its root. And in this case, addiction is most welcomed.

We should all be able to leave the past behind and focus on our present. Someone recently told me: “If something can be fixed, what is the point of worrying about it? And if something CANNOT be fixed, then again, what is the point of worrying about it?”
Pilates is more than exercise. It is a way of life, of thinking, of enjoying and coming to terms with the here and now. So.. shall we?