Latest news with #Pilates
AU Financial Review
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- AU Financial Review
Pilates used to be rehab – now it's a fashion trend
Watching the Alaïa autumn-winter show last September, I thought the pieces that would make their way off the runway and onto real bodies would be the wondrous sculptural coats that mimicked the curves of the Guggenheim, where the show took place, or the perfectly draped dresses (an homage to the late Azzedine Alaïa). But the show actually heralded the booming intersection of fashion and … Pilates. Really. The bandeau tops, ballet leotards and bike shorts signalled fashion's entry into the Pilates-industrial complex. Pilates is to 2025 what aerobics was to 1985 (and CrossFit to 2010): the latest apparent magic fitness bullet. Like other workout trends, Pilates has been co-opted by fashion, not just in the clothing we wear but also in the ways we present our bodies. Pilates, which has boomed this year, has become code for 'thin'. It's no accident this happened in the age of Ozempic, the era of the tradwife and Trump's second term.
Globe and Mail
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Globe and Mail
Pilates is having a moment. Here's what's to know if you're a newbie
Once a closely guarded secret in the training regimens of elite dancers, Pilates became mainstream decades ago. But the workout, embraced for its accessibility, versatility and transformative benefits, is experiencing a moment anew. You can see the recent explosion in the proliferation of high-end studios, or the more than 120,000 videos using the #pilatesprincess hashtag on TikTok, targeting what Vogue Business calls a 'key consumer group.' Legendary athletes and icons from LeBron James and Tom Brady to Gisele Bundchen and Maria Sharapova have credited Pilates for boosting core strength, flexibility and the mind-body connection. Fueling the sport's renewed popularity is a push for foundational strength-based training in a fitness world saturated by high-intensity workouts that can elevate cortisol, such as HIIT. Growing research reinforces Pilates' benefits for injury prevention and long-term performance. Don't worry, though: A big sweat is still inevitable. Despite their popularity, sleep trackers don't always lead to a better night's rest Why men aren't getting a warm welcome at the Pilates studio 'People think Pilates is easy – it's not,' says Morgan Reader, former competitive NCAA lacrosse athlete and trainer at One Academy in Toronto. 'It challenges even high-intensity athletes like me to move with purpose, building core strength, flexibility and preventing injury. It's a powerful reset for both body and mind.' The Pilates appeal lies in its adaptability. All fitness levels can benefit, and whether you want better posture, a stronger core or a gentler recovery from injury, it offers effective, low-impact results. While some enthusiasts remain loyal to classical Pilates, many new studios are adopting a hybrid approach, blending traditional movement with strength training and conditioning intervals, whether on a reformer, rower or bike. At Strong Pilates The Beach in Toronto, owner Christina McIsaac uses this approach to help clients pursue a broader range of fitness goals, from building muscle to boosting athletic endurance. 'It's so humbling because you think you're strong,' says McIsaac. 'I came from CrossFit, where a workout was 250 burpees, and I walk into a Pilates class and can't perform some of the moves. It will challenge your body in a very different and unconventional way.' Whether you're new to Pilates or looking to sharpen your practice, here's how to get the most out of your session, straight from the experts. Starting a new movement practice is easier when you're not panicked to get there on time. 'Book your first class on a day when you're not rushing out of the office or from school pickup. Anxiety is the last thing you want to feel when you arrive,' says McIsaac. You can meet with the instructor before the class starts to mention possible injuries or learn how to modify movements, ensuring a safer and more personalized experience. Plus, this will help ease any of those first-class jitters. 'Studios will know you're a first-timer based on their booking system, so they're going to go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and supported.' Forget the pressure to 'go hard or go home.' Instructors often offer variations for every level, making it easy to scale movements up or down, depending on how you feel that day. 'There's no pressure in the classes. Everyone has their own space and is focused on their journey,' says McIsaac. 'You go at your own pace with no benchmark or rep count you're forced to meet, like is typical in group fitness training. No one pushes you to do something you're not ready for.' 'Pilates is most effective when integrated with other forms of movement because it enhances your overall physical fitness,' says Reader. Consider adding heavy strength training, which can help to maintain bone density and muscle mass as we age, as well as aerobic exercise, such as running or a spin class, for heart health. 'If anything, Pilates is made for longevity – you can do this for a lifetime,' concurs McIsaac. 'This is training for the life athlete.'
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Lagree Vs. Pilates: Which Workout Is More Effective? Trainers Weigh In
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." There are a ton of reformer workouts out there. They might seem like they're all one in the same since they involve slow, controlled movements on a large, adjustable spring-based machine. However, some workouts are quite unique and distinct from the OG (read: reformer-based pilates)—as is the case with Lagree. While Lagree and pilates do have some similar elements, the two methods are actually quite different. Pilates emphasizes a mind-body connection and the engagement of deep muscles, according to a 2024 review of articles on pilates and depression in International Clinical Psychopharmacology. Meet the experts: Sebastien Lagree is the creator of the Lagree method. Dianna Falzarano is a trainer certified in pilates and Lagree, and the owner of Dynamic Studio. However, Lagree fuses resistance training elements and moves with pilates, such as squats, lunges, and planks, and is performed on a different type of reformer, says creator Sebastien Lagree. He designed the method in the 1990s in Los Angeles after his personal training clients told him they loved how pilates made them feel, but that they wanted to see more aesthetic results. He took their notes and refined his method, and now, there are 600 Lagree studios worldwide. Depending on your own fitness goals or desired results, you might prefer one reformer workout over the other, or decide to incorporate a mix of both. To guide your decision, here's a breakdown of the similarities and differences between Lagree and pilates classes, their benefits, and who each workout is best for. The Similarities While today's iteration of Lagree is a far cry from classical pilates, the two do share some similarities. 'They're low-impact and each method is a full-body workout,' says Dianna Falzarano, a trainer certified in pilates and Lagree, and the owner of Dynamic Studio. 'You're going to increase your body awareness, build core strength and muscular endurance, and work on balance.' (Increased body awareness can improve your athletic performance and lower your risk of injury, according to a 2024 review in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation of articles on proprioceptive training, or body awareness, and sports performance.) The Differences The Reformers Pilates is done on a classical reformer that uses a system of cables and springs. 'Training with the springs is a phenomenal way of strength training,' Lagree says. Lagree designed his own reformer called a Megaformer, where 'the springload is heavier,' he says. Plus, while a classic pilates reformer doesn't have handles—only a foot bar on one end—the Megaformer has handles in the front and the back of the machine to grasp, as well as an adjustable footbar and headrest, and shoulder blocks. While many pilates studios have their own reformers, it's possible for studios to buy a Lagree license and use the Megaformer in their studio, too. If you have the license, you're welcome to use "Lagree" in the name of your studio or use your own moniker. The Programming During pilates, you go through a different style of routine compared to what you do in a Lagree class. 'On the reformer, you are performing reps and the instructor is creating a flow from one exercise to the next,' Falzarano says. Get access to our exclusive walking plan For example, while lying faceup, you might raise your arms up, then do an abdominal crunch, hold at the top and extend one or both legs out, then put it all together in one motion. 'This way you can see the progression of the move and take the option that works best for you,' Falzarano adds. However, in a typical Lagree class, you'll do some reps of classic strength training moves that you generally wouldn't see in a regular pilates workout. 'You can expect some squats, some lunges, some side planks, and then you'll do some unique twists on these exercises,' Lagree says. There's also an emphasis on performing the exercises especially slowly in Lagree. While you might hold a pilates move for 10 seconds in a traditional class, with Lagree, you might take up to two minutes to do one full rep. (For example, you might lower yourself into a lunge for one minute, then take another minute to come up.) This increases your time under tension, which is one variable in resistance training that may drive better strength and muscle-building results, according to a 2022 review in Sports Medicine of research on the variables that influence muscle growth. Intended Results Classical pilates places a focus on promoting overall well-being, strength and stability, and flexibility and balance, with an emphasis on strengthening the core muscles, according to a 2022 review in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences of research about how pilates can reduce low back pain. The review also explains how it's sometimes used for injury rehabilitation (since it improves stability, balance, and flexibility). On the flip side, the Lagree method was designed to change your body composition by using weight training-inspired exercises to help you lose fat and gain muscle, Lagree Ankle Socks $19.00 at Exercise Ball $9.99 at Bra $49.00 at Which workout is better? Neither workout is inherently better, and whether you should choose one over the other will depend on your goals. 'I love the intensity and burnout of a Lagree class and I love the mobility, methodical approach, and body awareness of a pilates class,' Falzarano says. In other words, if your goals are to achieve flexibility, balance, and ease of movement, you should add more pilates classes into your routine, but if your goals are to build muscle with a more intense workout, you should do Lagree. However, 'they are both great workouts and compliment each other very well,' says Falzarano. Even Lagree recommends doing one to two pilates sessions per week coupled with three Lagree classes. He says that because the two workouts 'address different sides of the same coin,' it's beneficial to integrate both into your schedule. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
NDTV
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Janhvi Kapoor's Trainer Reveals The Secret Behind Her Strong & Toned Body
Janhvi Kapoor is a fitness enthusiast, and she has often inspired fans with her dedication to Pilates. Recently, her trainer, Namrata Purohit, advocated the benefits of Pilates by sharing a throwback video from one of Janhvi's workout sessions. The wellness trainer revealed that the clip is from the actress' fitness routine just ahead of shooting a song, undoubtedly opening up the Param Sundari star's secret behind her vibrant energy. Check out Janhvi Kapoor's video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Namrata Purohit (@namratapurohit) The clip begins with the actress performing a variation of the Kneeling One Leg Pull or Legs in Strap exercise on a Pilates Reformer. Janhvi Kapoor can be seen balancing perfectly on a sliding carriage while holding the runner. She then places one knee on the runner and the other leg in straps attached to springs, providing adjustable resistance for various movements, including leg extensions and pulls. The exercise emphasises core strength, flexibility, balance, posture and coordination through controlled movements, utilising ropes, pulleys and springs to offer resistance to the other leg. It also helps tone muscles, build strength, correct muscle imbalances and potentially prevent injuries. As the scene changes, Janhvi Kapoor can be seen performing a variation of a Reformer Lunge or Single Leg Press. She places one foot on the carriage runner with the other on the floor, and her hands on the footbar for support. After one round, the star quickly switches leg positions and continues her exercise on the reformer machine. This workout targets the core, legs, and glutes through controlled movements, helping improve balance and core stability. Alongside the clip, the renowned fitness trainer writes, "Throwback to Janhvi Kapoor training on the day of her song shoot!" She further highlights the benefits of Pilates and writes, "Before every song, Janhvi makes sure to workout," so as to "feel strong and feel good." It is not the first time Janhvi Kapoor's fitness trainer has teased fans with glimpses from her Pilates training. In another post, the actress can be seen practising the single-leg deadlift on the reformer. Sharing the pictures, Namrata penned, "It's all about the balance." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Namrata Purohit (@namratapurohit) Janhvi Kapoor and her Pilates practice are truly inspirational. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Women May Be More At Risk For These Injuries With Age—Here's How To Protect Yourself
THE SECOND EPISODE of The Future You features an empowering conversation around how to future-proof your joints, ligaments, and muscles so they can serve you for the long-haul. Host and editorial director Rich Dorment poses the questions: 'How can I feel better in this body, how can I make it perform better, and how can I make it last so that I can be doing what I want when I'm 40, 60, 80?' To answer this, Rich gets the perspectives of Gus Kenworthy, a professional skier and Olympic silver medalist who 'has subjected his body to all manner of trials and traumas,' and Ali Krieger, who endured broken bones and torn ACLs and MCLs on her groundbreaking journey to two World Cup titles with the U.S. Women's National Team—and an NWSL Championship win with Gotham FC in 2023, the year she retired from pro soccer. And to help make sense of everything that happens to the body when we get injured—and simply as we age—is Michael J. Alaia, MD, sports medicine surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Langone Health. Here's a look at some of the themes covered in the episode: How men's and women's bodies change as they get older For women, risk of osteoporosis increases after menopause due to hormonal changes, Dr. Alaia says. Women also have more of a risk for ACL tears and stress fractures compared to men, he says, for a variety of reasons. The importance of cross-training This helps to avoid constantly stressing the same joints and the same muscles. Ali discusses her experience with Pilates and yoga which she calls 'hidden fitness within stretching and activating.' How to evolve your training routine as you age '50 is like the new 30,' Dr. Alaia says, adding that people are increasingly more active with age. With this comes the necessity to modify your fitness routine, including pulling back on reps, sets, and weight, in order to stay active for many more years to come. What's really happening when your joints click …and whether you should be worried about it (spoiler: it could be air pockets and unless there's pain, you probably don't need to stress!) Learning to listen to your body and understanding we're not invincible 'If you feel as though something's going to happen, slow it down,' Dr. Alaia says, and this sentiment is echoed by both Ali and Gus. The next frontier of regeneration: biologics Dr. Alaia talks about this exciting category which includes Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and stem cells. The regen practices that folks in their 40s, 50s, and 60s should be doing …including focusing on more sleep (and establishing a solid routine) and considering ice baths, sauna treatments, contrast therapy. How nutrition impacts injury prevention and recovery Dr. Alaia suggests a focus on anti-inflammatory foods and considering quality as well as quantity. And Ali discusses how she adjusts her diet during different phases of her menstrual cycle, including when she's more likely to opt for steak. Ultimately, the conversation ends on a high note with both Ali and Gus talking about all the fitness pursuits still on their bucket lists. For Ali, that includes a half or full marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. For Gus, it's more broad: 'Even when I'm done skiing, I still want to do things to push myself and push my body,' he says, pointing to a 600-mile charity bike ride he did last year from San Francisco to LA. At the end of the day, both athletes are looking forward to many more years of healthspan and musclespan, something we can all aspire to as well, regardless of age. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
