Contrology, also known as Pilates, is a physical activity that seeks to stimulate control of the body’s muscles through the mind.
The technique, developed by Joseph Pilates , is above all an activity of strength and concentration, characteristics that result in several health benefits.
This practice brings countless benefits to the practitioner’s body and mind, after all, the main objective of the method is to develop body awareness, through control and concentration.
Therefore, in this article, you will learn how Pilates can help you in your search for a healthier life, discovering eight of the main benefits of the practice:
1. Increases physical resistance
Practicing Pilates improves the practitioner’s physical condition, after all, its exercises work all the muscles in the body and tone the abdomen, making the body healthier and capable of performing other physical activities that require more strength and stamina.
2. Improves postural problems
Pilates is considered one of the most advised physical exercises to correct one’s postural condition. So, if your spine has been suffering because of your poor posture, then resorting to this activity can also be one way of changing the situation and preempts further worsening of the said problem.
The Joseph Pilates method is the most recommended in these situations, as most of the movements used in the practice work the spinal column area, influencing the strengthening of the muscles that keep the spine erect.
3. Helps improve breathing
Breathing is one of the foundations of this technique, since, to perform your exercises with high precision, it is necessary to work on your breathing, that is, breathe properly to achieve good performance.
Breathing during exercise should be in tune with the movements. Therefore, continuous practice of the activity can improve the practitioner’s breathing, bringing benefits in a domino effect to their well-being, such as reducing muscle pain and strengthening the immune system.
4. Causes less friction in joints
In essence, the movements performed in Pilates classes are less abrupt and have a lower impact than other physical activities. For this reason, the practice does not have such a negative effect on the body’s joints.
Therefore, we can say that Pilates is one of the physical exercises that does not have rebound effects, at least in this sense, unlike activities such as weight training, for example.
5. Increases flexibility
Body stretching is part of the Pilates exercise routine. After all, stretching is essential to keeping your body healthy and your body movements flexible (and possible). Therefore, one of the main benefits of this conditioning method is the increase in your body’s flexibility.
6. Reduces stress
As mentioned, breathing is one of the foundations of Pilates, so maintaining adequate breathing during practice also becomes a premise for performing the method’s exercises, as well as concentrating on the present moment, leaving worries and problems outside.
Therefore, physical activity and deep breathing stimulated by Pilates reduce daily stress and anxiety attacks, while promoting a better quality of life for the practitioner.
After all, exercise causes the body to release endorphins and increases the feeling of well-being.
7. Helps with weight control
Just like any other physical activity, it helps lose weight when done regularly, but to obtain more attractive results, combine it with another activity, preferably an aerobic exercise, and a well-balanced diet.
This is because it tones your muscles and increases your body’s lean mass, but does not burn calories enough to result in losing substantial amounts of weight on its own.
8. Promotes well-being
Finally, it promotes your well-being! Bringing benefits to the body and mind, whether for pregnant women, seniors or the general public.
The method provides moments of relaxation and, in addition to increasing the practitioner’s disposition, improves their quality of rest, as it has the ability to reduce nighttime anxiety (thus avoiding sleepless nights).
There are so many incredible benefits that contrology brings to our body that you’ll want to sign up for a trial class right away, right? After all, who doesn’t want a healthier, more focused and peaceful life?