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Every year, the internet views a new workout as the secret to achieving certain body goals, with Pilates being the top choice, leading us to wonder what Pilates clothing best complements our workouts.
But let’s take a step back: why do people want to exercise? “What is the secret of such a press?” Blake Newby, former beauty and fashion editor at Essence magazine, asked Lori Harvey on the red carpet at last year’s Met Gala. That evening, the 26-year-old model, socialite and skincare founder showed off her abs in a Michael Kors cowl-neck dress. “This is Pilates!” – Harvey replied. “It changed my life.” When the interview video went viral on TikTok and has nearly 600,000 likes to date (#loriharveypilates has 16.1 million views), people quickly realized that pull-ups were going to be the new “hot trend.” » exercises, although practice is by no means out of reach. means new.
Los Angeles-based certified Pilates instructor Kim Carruthers’ clients include celebrities and professional athletes such as Tyra Banks, Chloë Grace Moretz and Derrick Rose. He explains that Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century for rehabilitation, focusing on the basic principles of balance, precision and control. Carruthers emphasizes that Pilates is more than just a workout; “It’s exercise for the mind and body,” she said. “When you think about ‘exercise,’ you realize that it’s something you have to do for the rest of your life.” As experts say, Pilates is an important way of thinking that has something for everyone, regardless of gender or age. or body type. What’s more: She says the practice can help with all forms of recovery, from post-surgery recovery to pre- and post-pregnancy recovery.
While some may be eager to work out to get Harvey-style abs, Carruthers notes that Pilates has far-reaching benefits for the body. “It can change the way your body looks, feels, and functions in a certain way, [without adding] unwanted bulk, making you look longer and leaner,” she continues. “Of course you can get all these benefits, but ideally you should understand that it is a mindfulness practice.”
“Once you start doing [the practice] consistently, you’ll begin to feel a deep connection with your body on and off the mat,” says Jackie Kingswell, founder of the online Pilates platform. Essentially, no matter which method of Pilates you practice (mat Pilates and Pilates are the most popular), she notes that you’ll see core activation, flexibility, strength, posture, and improved overall body awareness. How often you practice Pilates depends on your goals, she says. “It teaches you to listen to your body and what makes you feel good every day. It’s the best thing to be in tune with how I feel every day,” she says.
Ready to try Pilates for the first time or adjust to classes after a break? Here we will tell you what to wear, as well as fitness accessories that may come in handy.
Think about your trusty workout t-shirts and Pilates clothes—just try to avoid anything too flowy or anything that might limit your range of motion. Ideally, you should choose a top that combines form and function based on your body shape and comfort level. While you can certainly opt for a sports bra like Lululemon or Outdoor Voices, you can also opt for something that’s more like a T-shirt or crop top. Kingswell loves the Alo Yoga style—the tank top pairs perfectly with a bralette. Additionally, Beyond Yoga’s Racerback is a gentle and versatile option for low-impact workouts.
“You don’t want anything too tight or low,” notes Kingswell. “It’s all about feeling comfortable.” Her personal pick is Lululemon’s Align leggings for their high waist, soft fabric, and stretchy fit, while Tory Burch’s Sport leggings are equally supportive and especially suitable for moderate to high-intensity exercise. Don’t like leggings? The short style is also great for Pilates. The Girlfriend Collective Biker Shorts are compressive, lightweight, and won’t ride up during your workout. And then there’s Year Of Ours’ ribbed cross-waist style, a fun twist on the classic sportswear staple.
You can choose stylish one-piece workout clothes instead of separate workout clothes. With the rise in popularity of fitness and casual wear in recent years, we’ve seen many versions of fitness tights that emphasize comfort and efficient movement. Those who usually work out in leggings can opt for the FP Movement Jumpsuits, both of which go to the ankle. There are also jumpsuit styles from Girlfriend Collective and Alo Yoga—soft fabric biker-length options and built-in bralettes. Essentially, they take the guesswork out of choosing activewear. If you’re looking for something a little more stylish, Eres is definitely for you.
If you’re heading to a Pilates studio or just don’t want to workout barefoot, Carruthers recommends bringing a pair of non-slip socks. Products from Alo Yoga, Wander G, Pointe Studios or Bombas ensure you won’t slip during your workouts with high-performance bottom handles made from comfortable, breathable fabric.
Can’t come to the studio? Our experts say you can easily practice it at home using just your body weight or using various fitness accessories to enhance your workout. “First, you should buy a good rug,” Carruthers said. “It’s better to have something non-slip and thicker than a traditional yoga mat.” Then, she explains, “to add tension and resistance to some of the exercises,” incorporate weights, resistance bands or Pilates balls into your practice. However, there is no pressure here – your body weight is usually enough, especially for beginners.
Both of our experts agree that for those who aren’t ready to give up their favorite cardio, weightlifting or yoga routine, Pilates can also be the perfect complement to other exercises. For a strengthening workout, Kingswell recommends doing Pilates four to five times a week; otherwise, beginners will benefit from including two or three repetitions. As for how long it takes to see results: “Within a week, people start to feel muscles they may not have felt before, and it gets deeper from there,” Kingswell explains. According to Carruthers, after 30 sessions you will truly feel like your body is more mobile or, as she calls it, a different body.
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Post time: Jan-30-2024