Pilates is nothing new, but how has it made the transition from desperately squatting to get a Kim Kardashian booty to aiming for a Jane Fonda-like figure again?
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Reformer Pilates has completely changed the way I think about my body, and I’m not the only one: Pilates is everywhere. Lululemon Leggings They’ll preach Pilates, Pilates and more Pilates. These days, society makes you feel like you’re not living life right if you’re not signed up for a running club or a Pilates course. It’s basically the ultimate FOMO transferred from social events to your exercise routine.
But why did I suddenly get so obsessed with Pilates? Pilates is nothing new, but how did I get from squatting like crazy to Kim Kardashian style butt Want to get a toned body like Jane Fonda again?
The answer lies in a new body trend, and gym trainers are feeling the effects. They’ve had to overhaul their entire plan. Forget about building muscle. This year, the goal is to get as lean and healthy as possible.
Head on over to TikTok and you’ll find the latest trending workout: wall pilates. Your FYP is sure to be flooded with it. Google is seeing a surge in searches for the free 28-day wall pilates challenge.
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In 2023, the focus was on biohacking the body for longevity with extreme fitness techniques like ice baths and oxygen chambers. But in 2024, Pilates will officially be Most popular trainingClassPass has reported a 92% increase in bookings, specifically wall pilates, which is the latest craze to take off.
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So what exactly is the Wall Pilates Challenge? Women’s HealthPower Pilates UK founder Colin Nolan and athlete Keltie O’Connor explained that wall pilates involves performing traditional pilates exercises with the support of a wall, with Nolan adding that the wall mimics a football used in reformer pilates to add resistance.
But Nolan points out that wall Pilates, like any at-home exercise, has limitations, meaning it requires more feedback and corrections from your instructor. Proper alignment, precision, breathing, and muscle engagement are key to getting the most out of your workout. Beginners, especially, may need more support to avoid potential harm, but Nolan believes the benefits generally outweigh the risks.
“Wall Pilates can get a bit limiting and boring if it’s your only exercise. I like to use weights or other equipment to add resistance and difficulty, so I definitely recommend mixing up your workouts and using the floor to do plank exercises, which allow you to use your own body weight as resistance, which you can’t do with a wall,” Nolan told Women’s Health.
But new Gym Routine Today’s trending exercises are more associated with beauty fads than genuine health benefits. SCREENSHOT spoke to London-based personal trainer Katie Gambini, who said: “I’ve been coaching people for the past 15 years and I love what I do. Being able to change people’s lives by improving their health, confidence and overall wellbeing is why I still do it. However, it’s important to understand that each body needs specific exercises.”
“Of course, exercise is always beneficial, but focusing on just one type of exercise may not be the best approach for everyone. Every person’s body composition and physiology is different, so they need a personalized exercise routine to get the best results,” Gambini added.
“For example, people with a mesomorph body type are typically naturally muscular. They may benefit from incorporating exercises that promote flexibility and cardiovascular health while maintaining muscle mass. For these individuals, a balanced workout that includes strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and activities such as Pilates can help prevent muscle imbalances and overuse injuries.”
Gambini further explained: “New fitness trends can dramatically change gym routines and are often focused on cosmetic goals rather than health benefits. This can sometimes be problematic. For years, the fitness industry has promoted building muscle and Kim Kardashian“My goal was to accentuate their curves with a prominent butt and a slim waist. Many of my female clients wanted to accentuate their buttocks and sculpt their legs while maintaining a very slim waist. This unrealistic body image was difficult to achieve, but my aim was always to help them reach their goals in a healthy way.”
Speaking to Gambini, it’s clear that the shift reflects broader shifts in social trends and marketing influences. Similarly, the gym trend was born with the rise of the Kardashian brand, which emphasized curvaceous figures and spurred the popularity of workouts and surgeries to achieve a similar figure. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) The treatment became so popular that fitness routines were developed to tone the buttocks and slim the waist. ShapewearAnd social media posts reinforced this ideal, creating a powerful narrative around a particular body image.
But as the Kardashian aesthetic began to lose its appeal, a new and notable shift occurred: the marketing machine shifted gears to promote a slimmer, more toned look as the new standard of beauty. This change is reflected in the proliferation of Pilates, including variations such as wall Pilates, which promise a leaner, more flexible, more toned figure. The fitness industry quickly adapted, with classes, challenges, and influencers promoting these new ideals.
After all, fitness and body image trends are constantly changing, highlighting the influence that marketing and media have on an individual’s health choices. While embracing new forms of exercise can be beneficial, it is important to critically evaluate whether these trends align with your personal health needs and goals. Striking a balance between aesthetics and overall health should always be a priority.
Pilates has many benefits, including flexibility, core strength and overall muscle tone, but it’s important to approach these trends with caution. Not all workout trends are suitable for all body types. Different people have different physiological needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach can be ineffective or even harmful. It’s important to design a fitness routine that’s tailored to your individual needs, focusing on overall health and wellbeing rather than just following the latest trends.
