PilatesMat

As you may remember, in the last edition I

we commented on Hatha Yoga, a
beneficial exercise for both the body
like for the mind. On this occasion, you
let's talk about the Pilates Mat method, which
it can be confused with Hatha Yoga, but
with very specific exercises. Just like
that this last activity, the Pilates method
it will also jointly help your mind and
body. Now, it is time to delve into
To watch the video in
we look at what the Pilates Mat consists of, exercise- Augmented Reality
cicio that you can find in Life & Fitness. follow the instructions
from page 7

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Burning Calories

C When we hear about Pilates, we often think of they improve our physical condition alongside our con-
to be in a physical activity performed on a mat, centering and control capacity of the body. In addition,
same in which we adopt numerous postures. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the sessions, leaving relaxed is
perhaps a huge ball also comes to our mind practically a fact.
in which it seems impossible to exercise
some. To this, we must also add that we also think about The method was created by Joseph H. Pilates in the early
a great group class with relaxing music in the background. from the twenties of the last century, where he combined
traditions of Western and Eastern cultures. It was such
No matter how trite the previous idea may seem, everyone the dedication of Pilates that was able to create a routine that
mentioned elements are related all Pi- includes more than 500 exercises enfavocados on the rise
lates. In fact, they are the essential parts for that the se- from physical strength and muscle toning - taken
the sessions of this activity are carried out perfectly. from the West - as well as the increase in flexibility and
Well, this along with the other features that you will... tranquility - taken from the east.
we will mention below on the following pages.
The exercises focus on the development of the muscles.
But... what is the Pilates method? internally to maintain body balance and, from this
way, to give firmness and stability to the spine
Before we delve into everything that they consist of. At the same time as the different positions, a
Pilates Mat, it is convenient to clarify that this is a controlled breathing that allows us to perform the routine
variant of the activity known simply as "Pi- without additional complications.
branches. That is to say, it is a branch of the popular activity-
As you can imagine, one of the parts of the body that
The spine benefits the most from Pilates, as
Pilates is a set of exercises that, in a similar way gains in stability and firmness. Hence, this method is
to Hatha yoga, it focuses on exercising the body and widely used as therapy in rehabilitation, in addition
the mind. The exercises and postures performed in Pilates It prevents and relieves back pain.

The popularity of the Pilates method

shot when characters from the
music, cinema and sports
they began to practice it as
supplement to your exercise routine.

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 If you are a beginner, don't get frustrated for not
do the poses well, you can ask
advisory to the Life & Fitness instructors.

Although it is usually seen as a focused exercise Pilates Mat is the great foundation of the entire exercise system.
in body toning and muscle building, the Pi- of the method, so if you want an exercise that goes more
Lates also helps with calorie burning despite not beyond the stances, as well as working with the different
to be its primary objective, because as in any activity existing devices, you must have the notions that are
Physics involves a considerable expenditure of energy. they teach in 'the Mat'.

Wedsciusedn,igenea,w
rlhatcionstsiof In addition to being performed on a mat, Pilates Mat
method, now it is time to fully immerse ourselves in the they have the peculiarity of being conducted in group classes
Pilates Mat, which you can find in the facilities the numerous, unlike the "reformer" and other various
of Life & Fitness. actions whose follow-up of participants is more per-
personalized. While a class of the Mat can exceed
Pilates Mat 20 people, those of the 'reformer' are 4 or 5 members.
by instructor at most. This is due to the work with
The main distinguishing feature of Pilates Mat is that it is practiced the machines and devices that require attention
on the floor on a mat, unlike the so-called customized, also because it is more practical to avoid
"reformer", which is made on different exclusive devices long waits between shifts.
you to exercise specific parts of the body.
The exercise on the mat can become more
Based on various body postures, the weight with which demanding that done in teams, as I have already mentioned to you
what is worked on is oneself, hence reaching to In Pilates Mat, you work with your own weight,
consider it a personal challenge from the start. a situation that alone is already a great challenge, to what there is

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Burning Calories

that adds to the control of breathing, the postures, among

other things. Breaking molds...
The mat requires very heavy work for those who
they have weak muscles, little flexibility, and no control
You do an exclusive activity for women, yes
from her body, hence having a high degree of difficulty- goods are certainly more popular among the ladies,
all for beginners. This feature - in conjunction
with a job with springs, balls, etc. - makes the exercise for all people, the difficulty
Pilates Mat is a more demanding activity than others. and intensity of certain movements can re-
actions of the method.
to suffer equally complicated for a man who
for a woman. Even a gentleman with no
elasticity can battle inmdensities at the beginning-
If you suffer from any pain or discomfort in your body, it is the end of your routine. In the end, consistency is what
It's necessary for you to tell the instructor, perhaps that will prevent you. will yield good results for both men and
keep up with the class, but don't worry, you will women. Set aside popular beliefs and
check it yourself, Life & Fitness is waiting for you.
Can you give a series of special exercises so that I don't
injured endings.

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To get started!
S You are just going to start in this activity, it leaves you- to get rid of the idea that you are just going to relax.
more certain recommendations for it was class Like any exercise, it involves a challenge.physical exercise,
of Pilates Mat, as well as certain benefits. I'll see you- butifyouarejuststarting.Takeitwiththeseriousnessthat

branchesinLife&Fitnessforyoutoputintoaction! anysportdeserves.

Wearcomfortableclothes.It'snosecretthatfor Youwillgettoknowyourbodybetter.Theeffortstoachieve
itisrecommendedtowearclothingforexercising the postures will allow you to better understand your abilities
Yes,butinthecaseofPilatesMatitisarequirement skillsandlimitations,littlebylittleyouwillimproveandyouwillhave

mandatorylie.Wearclothesthatallowyouto better control of your body movements.

movefreely,withoutbeinguncomfortabletothe
stretchingtime. Your breathing will benefit. The way of
breathingisfundamentalinPilates,itwillhelpyoutocontrol
They are not relaxation sessions. Yes, Pi- thebestinthepracticeofothersports.

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