In recent years, many Nigerians have started paying more attention to their health and wellness. From gyms to yoga studios, more people are looking for fun and relaxing ways to stay fit. One workout that’s not new, but obviously becoming popular, is Pilates, a gentle yet powerful exercise that helps you build strength, improve posture, and calm your mind.
Pilates has now found a home in Nigeria. Studios are opening in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, welcoming everyone who wants to stretch, move, and feel good. Whether you’re a beginner or just curious, Pilates offers a peaceful way to stay healthy and strong, both inside and out.
So, what’s the buzz about? Let’s dive in!
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of exercise that helps you build strength, balance, and flexibility, but in a gentle and controlled way. It focuses mainly on your core muscles, which include your stomach, back, and hips. These muscles help support your body and improve your posture.
Pilates was created to make both the body and mind stronger. It teaches you how to move with control and how to breathe properly while exercising. This makes it great for people who want to stay fit without lifting heavy weights or doing high-impact workouts. People love Pilates because it’s for everyone: beginners, athletes, and even people recovering from injuries. It helps reduce stress, improves focus, and leaves you feeling calm and strong.
How it came about
Pilates began almost 100 years ago, thanks to a man named Joseph Pilates from Germany. As a child, Joseph was often sick and weak. Because of this, he became very interested in how the body works and how to make it stronger and healthier.
During World War I, Joseph worked with injured soldiers in a hospital. He created a special way to help them recover faster using slow, controlled movements that built strength without hurting their bodies. This was the beginning of what we now know as Pilates.
After the war, Joseph moved to New York City in the 1920s. He opened a fitness studio with his wife, Clara, where they taught their new exercise method. Many dancers, athletes, and performers started coming to their studio because Pilates helped them move better, stay strong, and avoid injuries.
Over time, more and more people began to love the method. Joseph called it “Contrology” because it focused on controlling your muscles and breathing. After he died in 1967, his students continued teaching and spreading Pilates around the world.
Today, Pilates is practised by millions in homes and studios everywhere, including Nigeria!
Types of Pilates
Over time, Pilates has grown and changed into different styles. Each type has its own focus, but they all aim to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay balanced. Here are some of the main types:
1. Classical Pilates
This is the original form of Pilates created by Joseph Pilates himself. It follows his exact methods and order of exercises. Classical Pilates focuses on control, flow, and precision. It uses both mat exercises and special Pilates equipment like the Reformer. The goal is to build strength from the inside out – especially in your core.
2. Mat Pilates
This type is done on a mat, just like yoga. You mostly use your own body weight for resistance. It’s great for beginners because you can do it anywhere: at home, in a studio, or even outdoors. Mat Pilates helps improve posture, flexibility, and balance. Some classes may also use small tools like resistance bands, rings, or light weights.
3. Contemporary Pilates
Contemporary Pilates is a modern version of the original method. It mixes Joseph Pilates’ exercises with new scientific knowledge about how the body works. Teachers often add creative moves or use modern equipment. This type is perfect for people who enjoy variety and like trying new routines while still focusing on strength and alignment.
4. Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates is done using a special machine called a Reformer. It has a moving platform, springs, and straps that you push or pull during exercises. The Reformer helps make workouts more challenging and fun. It also gives extra support for people who need it. This style helps build lean muscles, improve flexibility, and strengthen the entire body.
5. Clinical / Rehabilitation Pilates
Clinical Pilates is often used by physiotherapists to help people recover from injuries or deal with pain. The exercises are gentle and designed to improve movement safely. It focuses on posture, core strength, and body awareness. This type of Pilates is great for rehabilitation and for people who want to move without discomfort.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates is more than just exercise; it’s a full-body workout that helps you feel stronger, calmer, and more balanced. Whether you’re doing it on a mat or with a reformer machine, Pilates trains both your body and mind. Here are some of its amazing benefits:
1. Builds Core Strength
Pilates helps to strengthen your core — the muscles around your stomach and back. A strong core supports good posture and balance.
2. Improves Flexibility
It stretches your muscles gently, making your body more flexible and helping you move easily without pain.
3. Boosts Posture
Pilates teaches you how to sit, stand, and move properly, which can reduce back and neck pain.
4. Reduces Stress
The slow and mindful breathing in Pilates helps calm your mind and reduce stress after a long day.
5. Increases Body Awareness
You become more aware of how your body moves, helping you correct bad habits and move with confidence.
6. Helps with Recovery
Pilates is great for people healing from injuries because it strengthens weak muscles in a gentle way.
Where to Find Pilates Studios in Nigeria
Pilates is growing fast in Nigeria, and you can find good studios in big cities like Lagos and Abuja. Here are a few places to check out:
Lo Studio Pilates
📍 4A Ologun Agbaje Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Dew Centre
📍 31B Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Ophil Wellness Studio
📍 57 Ebitu Ukiwe St, Jabi, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Sage & She Wellness
📍 Suite 412, Maitama Mall, 41 Osun Cres, Maitama, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Finally, Pilates is more than just a workout; it’s a way to care for your body, calm your mind, and build real strength from within. It’s exciting to see how it’s growing in Nigeria, with more studios and people joining the movement every day. Whether you’re stretching on a mat, using a reformer, or joining an online class, Pilates welcomes everyone. So, if you’ve been thinking about trying something new for your health and happiness, maybe it’s time to roll out that mat and give Pilates a try!
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