Where did Pilates come from, and how has it endured in the last century of ever-evolving fitness fads, trends, and miracle products?

The name “Pilates” comes from the man who dreamed it into existence: Joseph Pilates, a German-born body-builder, multi-discipline athlete, and physical fitness researcher. Pilates himself led a genuinely extraordinary life. Not only did he invent Pilates, but he was an expert diver, a circus acrobat, a professional boxer, and a nurse in World War I.

Joseph Pilates opened his first studio in New York after moving to America in 1923. Back then, his method was called “Contrology” and was an instant hit with dancers to recover from injuries and prevent re-injury. Pilates developed these techniques and exercise methods to condition both the mind and body to unlock each individual's full athletic potential.

Today, modern Pilates has spread, evolved, and even branched out into new iterations like “Power Pilates.” According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, Pilates is the most popular gym activity for women and is now more widely available than ever, thanks to small private studios and app-based virtual classes.

The surge of popularity for Pilates in recent years is due in no small part to the well-sung benefits of the workout style. Here are some of the best-documented benefits of Pilates and the research backing them.

• Safe rehabilitation – Pilates is an exercise method that allows the individual to strengthen their core stability, balance, flexibility, and posture safely. Physicians and physical therapists quickly recommend it for anyone recovering from an injury. These rehabilitative Pilates movements also actively reduce the odds of injury due to falls, pulled muscles, and bad posture habits.

• Pain relief – In a 2020 study, a Pilates protocol significantly improved lower back pain, flexibility, and trunk muscle strength in participating individuals after an 8-week regimen of training. Lower back pain often comes from a misalignment of the spine and a lack of core strength—two ailments Pilates can help correct.

• Safe for pregnant and postpartum women – Pilates naturally strengthens the core and conditions the pelvis. For this reason, physical therapists recommend Pilates exercises for anyone with pelvic floor issues or dysfunction to strengthen the pelvic floor—without needing to do hundreds of Kegels.

• Flexibility – With the amount of stretching involved in Pilates, exercisers of all ages can see improvements in their flexibility. According to a 2016 trial, a group of women over age 60 saw improved flexibility in all evaluated movements from Pilates. It was even more effective for some body segments than standard static stretching. Flexibility is crucial for retaining motion as we age and protects us from injury at the same time.

• Body awareness, breath control, and mental health – Similar to yoga, Pilates is a mindful practice that puts as much emphasis on your mental state as it does on your physical state. With Pilates, you can learn your body's strengths and weaknesses and better understand how your body works. Intentional breathing in Pilates also benefits your daily life by offering a means to reduce stress.

While the above provides an overview of the benefits to gain in Pilates, no two Pilates classes are the same. Here’s a quick guide to the different types of Pilates available to help you decide which style will benefit your body and mind the most.

Many “hybrid” Pilates types combine elements of the primary schools of Pilates below. Some types began with an instructor tweaking a tried and true Pilates regimen that gradually evolved into a new form of Pilates entirely.

What type of clothing will give you an optimal Pilates experience? When choosing your outfit or workout set, consider which type of Pilates you’ll be performing and the unique capabilities your outfit will need to support the movements and paces of different Pilates routines.

Generally, a well-rounded approach to any Pilates attire will include pieces that offer maximum comfort, flexibility, and support while performing various movements and stretches.

Comfort is critical for Pilates attire, so you can focus on nailing the specific exercises and not on leggings that are too tight or a top that itches at all the wrong times. You’ll often need to hold positions for several moments, so wearing clothes that can support your body and provide some additional stability in balance-centric movements will be the key to top performance.

Flexibility is a non-starter as well—you need clothing that can stretch with your body and facilitate your flow rather than impede it. Plus, constantly adjusting an outfit that isn’t flexible is a nuisance and a potential distraction.

Whether you’re sweating it out in the classroom or at home, here are the expert tips to pick the right pieces for your new or continuing Pilates journey.

For Classical Pilates, you’ll want to wear a fitted top to avoid distractions and unnecessary adjustments during complex movements. Form-fitting sportswear will also allow you and your instructor to evaluate your form during exercise and adjust accordingly.

For Mat Pilates, comfort is essential—especially if you’re working out at home where distractions and discomfort from your clothes can easily make you put your workout on hold. Avoid low-waisted or overly tight bottoms, which can restrict movement and disturb your motion. Bike shorts are another excellent option for bottoms that can handle the demanding stretches of Pilates.

For Reformer Pilates, moisture-absorbing sportswear will be key for the high-intensity, fat-burning pace of the workouts. Additionally, wearing grip socks will provide additional stability on the Reformer equipment so you can easily hold poses and change positions.

Ready to outfit yourself for success to reap the benefits of Pilates and develop a stronger, leaner, healthier you? High-tech sportswear from P.E Nation will give you the comfort, support, and flexibility you need to thrive in any Pilates workout or setting.

As a beginner, starting your Pilates journey can be intimidating—but putting together functional and fashionable Pilates clothing doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re a Pilates veteran looking to upgrade your sportswear lineup or are new to the exercise method and want pieces that can maximize your movement and comfort, P.E Nation’s modern, high-performance lineup of gym leggings, bike shorts, and athletic tops are built to meet the highest athletic and aesthetic standards. Our articles, ‘What to wear with leggings’ and, ‘What to wear with biker shorts’ are also available as resources to help complete your various looks head to toe.

Looking to diversify your fitness routine and are in need of some hiking outfits or tennis outfits? P.E Nation has just the right pieces for the activities that bring you joy and health. And while you’re here, check out our list of 10 Gym Bag Essentials to ensure every trip is productive and gratifying.

Unlock your best self with sustainable, fashion-forward activewear from P.E Nation—perfect for Pilates and a fast-paced lifestyle.

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