A workout that sculpts muscles, relaxes the mind and shows even the toughest fitness buffs that “slow” doesn’t mean “easy” – that’s Pilates. We show what’s behind the sport.
What is really behind Pilates?
Joseph Pilates had a clear vision at the beginning of the 20th century: to strengthen the body through control, balance and awareness – not through sheer strength. This resulted in a training method that is still based on six principles and brings body and mind into harmony. Every movement is performed with full focus: concentration, control, powerhouse, precision, breathing and fluid movement.
The result: A workout that combines strength and flexibility – with a focus on posture, control and body awareness instead of pure muscle building.
The right equipment to get started
Pilates doesn’t require high-tech equipment, but the right equipment makes all the difference. A non-slip Pilates mat like this Kimjaly yoga mat* protects your back and joints and offers stable support during every exercise – no wonder it has been used over the counter at Decathlon over 600 times.
If you want a little more intensity, use the Pilates ring Mantra Sports Pilates Ring* provides just the right amount of additional tension for legs and arms with light resistance. Resistance bands bring even more variety into play: with this Corength training bath set* Classic exercises can be varied and specifically intensified, also ideal for training at home. Add a towel, a little space – and nothing stands in the way of starting your Pilates training.
This is what Pilates does to the body
Pilates strengthens the deep muscles – those muscles that otherwise receive little attention but are crucial for posture, stability and mobility. According to AOK, regular training has been proven to improve posture and relieve strain on the joints and spine. The Techniker Krankenkasse also emphasizes that Pilates can prevent back pain and relieve tension
The focus is on controlled movements rather than speed or weights. This trains the body evenly, the posture becomes more upright and the breathing becomes more conscious. If you stick with it, you will quickly feel more balance and body tension – and notice that inner strength often comes from deep down.
Who should start Pilates?
Pilates is suitable for almost everyone – from beginners to sports professionals to people with back problems. It is particularly helpful for tension, sitting work or to improve balance. Clean execution is important, ideally initially with instructions – the Training cards from figgrs* provide 50 figures and exercises that can be performed anywhere without equipment. This makes it easy to incorporate a few controlled movements in the morning or stretches after work into your everyday life – for more stability and lightness in the body.
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