Fitness icon and industrialist Nawaz Modi Singhania shares with us the importance of Pilates, and how it has captured the imagination of health enthusiasts and celebrities around the world.
…Origin
Pilates was discovered and founded by a German named Joseph H. Pilates about a century ago. Due to his own physical disabilities, and inability to consequently find a methodology to reverse his health issues and get the much-needed rehab treatment, the situation actually led him to keep searching for a solution for himself.
Unable eventually to get the help he desperately needed (as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of all inventions), the situation ultimately prompted Pilates to invent the brilliant, super effective method of working, among other things, against springs for resistance, barrels for spinal alignment… and more, on very uniquely designed equipment. Pilates equipment, as we know it today. It is simply called, “The Method”.
…The Equipment
Typically, the Reformer and Trapeze Cadillac have been the mainstay of Pilates. There are a variety of different types of Reformers such as the Allegro Reformer, the Studio Reformer, the Combo Tapeze Reformer and more. Similarly, there are many types of Trapeze Cadillacs available, this piece being one of the largest, in the Pilates equipment range. There are a variety of other supportive equipment such as different types of chairs – like the Wunda Chair and the Combo Chair, different types of barrels – both convex and concave, such as the Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel and C-Shaper. Smaller accessories include different types of balls, the Magic Circle, Core Board, bands, Swiss ball etc.
Working on the Studio Reformer on muscle lengthening, strengthening, balance & control.
Using the Combo Chair for upper body & core work.
Working the whole body on the Ladder Barrel
Working the upper body and core on the Trapeze Cadillac
…What One Can Expect
A fantastic methodology of working the full body in terms of slimming down, trimming out, lengthening, strengthening, realigning, reforming, rehabilitating, and evolving into a new, petite frame… makes Pilates an unparalleled winner. It is super effective and very quickly so. In my personal opinion, it is one of the greatest gifts left back for mankind.
…Concept
Pilates combines the best of both the Western and Eastern principles, with reference to health and physical fitness. Unlike in the concept of traditional exercise – e.g. weight training, where one is often pushing themselves to a maximum – Pilates essentially works very differently. Less is actually more. As you feel pain or discomfort, you typically stop doing the exercise and move on to the next one.
This, additionally, makes it a great go-to for special populations – senior citizens, prenatal and postnatal women, those recovering from surgery and needing rehab, those having balance-related issues, and so on. Core strength is focused on, along with balance, control, increased flexibility and mobility. So also spinal alignment, among other things.
…Result
Pilates is highly effective, and immediately so. For the observant, they will find noticeable benefits with every single session. Like a sculpture, every time the sculptor works on it, there is a visible, tangible result; the Pilates Method is just so. This makes it all the more exciting, as one isn’t waiting till the cows come home to see clear-cut improvement. It is evident with every workout!
…Endorsements
Very many international celebrities have taken to and swear by it. David Beckham, Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Tiger Woods, Sandra Bullock, Claudia Schiffer, Lady Gaga, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Elizabeth Hurley, just to name a few. On the Indian scene, celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Malaika Arora Khan, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone… and the list goes on… have been Pilates fans, and for very good reason!
Madonna
Jennifer Anniston
Malaika Arora
…Frequency
Pilates is best done 3 or 4 times a week, for 45 minutes to an hour per session.
…Anything Else?
Ideally, pair Pilates with some cardio activity every day, done continuously without a break, at mid-range intensity, for at least 40 minutes, for those who are looking at losing bulk. For those who are not, even less is fine. Some cardio activity options could be joining an aerobic class, dancing, walking, cycling or getting onto the elliptical or stair climber.
…Chow Chow
For ideal results, combine Pilates with a healthy nutrition plan, one that is low on fat, high in fibre, low on starch, low on sugar, and adopt healthful cooking methods such as steaming, boiling and grilling as opposed to battering and frying. Consume at least 2 litres of plain water daily.
Be forever fit, fab, healthy and young – both inside and out! Go live your dream; live your best life!
More info and further details available on www.bodyart.in, and on Instagram & FB on @nawazbodyartmumbai