In the glamorous world of Bollywood, fitness trends among celebrities often become the talk of the town. Lately, it’s impossible to scroll through social media without catching glimpses of Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor mastering the art of Pilates. Their trainers have been flooding my feed with videos showcasing intricate contraptions and impeccable form.
Pilates has always been the workout du jour for Bollywood’s elite. But there has been a newfound interest in the workout, which begs the question: if these icons are swapping their gym sessions for the Pilates studio or even at home, is it time for us to follow suit?
What Is Pilates?
Pilates stands as a testament to the power of gentle exercise. It’s a series of slow movements in the form of a full-body workout that transcends core strengthening, offering a comprehensive approach that benefits every muscle group. It aims to strengthen muscles, improve postural alignment, and enhance flexibility.
Though often lumped together, Pilates and yoga are different practices. Both prioritize the mind-body connection and can be practiced without equipment, yet they diverge in their philosophies and techniques. Yoga, with its meditative origins, focuses on flexibility and internal practice. Pilates, however, zeros in on core stability and strength training. It can be said that Pilates is much more strenuous for the body and requires a lot more control over your muscles.
The Beauty Benefits Of Pilates.
- Enhanced Circulation: The controlled movements of the exercise improve blood flow throughout the body. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your skin and scalp, promoting healthier skin and potentially stimulating hair growth.
- Stress Reduction: Pilates is a powerful stress reliever. By focusing on breath and movement, it helps lower stress hormones like cortisol, which is known to exacerbate skin conditions such as acne and hair problems like hair loss.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Regular Pilates practice can lead to better sleep patterns. Since good sleep is crucial for the regeneration of skin cells and can prevent under-eye circles, this workout indirectly contributes to a more radiant complexion.
- Detoxification: The emphasis on deep breathing helps detoxify the body. By aiding the lymphatic system in flushing out toxins, pilates can also lead to potentially clearer skin and a healthier scalp.
How To Start
Incorporating pilates into your routine doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of your current fitness regimen. Starting with just two to three sessions a week can significantly impact your strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. For those new to the concept, numerous online resources and classes can guide you through the basics.
A perfect introduction for those stepping into the world of Pilates, Jessica Valant has a series of videos that range from beginner to advanced for anyone looking to start their journey without investing too much money into the gear.
If you’re familiar with the basics and have a specific goal or want to increase the intensity of your workouts, the videos from Move With Nicole are ones I have used pretty often when I needed a slow yet intense meditative workout.
Last, if you’re just looking to explore and familiarise yourself with the type of movement Pilates usually consists of, this 10-minute workout by Lidia Mera is perfect.
The key is consistency and listening to your body. As you become more comfortable with the movements, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Inspired by the dedication of Bollywood celebrities, it’s worth considering for anyone looking for a workout that benefits both the body and beauty.
Featured Image: Instagram.