Preity Zinta loves her Pilates sessions to strengthen her core and keep herself fit and in shape. Her social media is a digital diary of her dedication to fitness, with regular workout videos peppered in between snapshots of quality time with family, friends and travel. Her latest Instagram post highlights the importance of adding stretching into fitness routines.
“It doesn’t matter what workout you do, stretching your body is the gold standard for longevity & for avoiding any injury. So don’t forget to incorporate stretching into your fitness routine 👊” the Kal Ho Na Ho actor mentioned in the caption of her Instagram post. To learn more about its benefits, indianexpress.com reached out to a fitness expert and got clarity.
According to Deepika Sharma, personal Fitness expert with a focus on functional nutrition, Pilates isn’t about sweating harder or showing off fancy moves. At its heart, it’s about building strength, improving posture, staying flexible, and learning to breathe with control. The movements are slow, precise, and surprisingly humbling.
Story continues below this ad
“The reformer, the machine most people picture when they hear “Pilates”, looks like a bed on rails with springs, straps, and a footbar. It may look harmless, but don’t be fooled. Those springs can either assist you in stretching or challenge you with resistance. The sliding carriage keeps your body in line, so you can’t fall back on your usual bad habits,” she elaborated.
Why not just stick to the mat? Because the mat can only take you so far. The reformer offers things the floor can’t:
• Support for rehab so you can train safely through injuries.
• Deeper stretches without forcing them.
• Balanced strength and mobility as resistance builds both together.
• Even training for both sides of your body, no cheating with your “strong” side.
• Instant feedback, so you notice every wobble or loss of control.
Where people often go wrong is treating the reformer like a gym machine. (Source: Instagram/@realpz)
Regular stretching helps maintain muscle flexibility and reduces the risk of injury, something especially important if you work out frequently and your muscles become stiff. She added that stretching needs to be complemented with sound equipment and maintaining correct posture to avoid injury. “Starting any stretching routine should ideally be done under the supervision of your fitness trainer, as they can guide you in performing the exercises correctly and monitor your progress to prevent any potential strain or further injury,” mentioned Sharma.
Story continues below this ad
Tips to get started
Committing to 2 to 3 Pilates sessions per week strikes a balance between giving your body ample time to recover and maintaining a consistent training routine, said fitness expert Garima Goyal. Here are some of her key tips for beginners:
– Recovery time – Pilates engages various muscle groups, and adequate recovery is essential for muscle repair and growth. Allowing at least one day between sessions helps prevent overtraining and reduces the risk of injury.
– Consistency for skill development – Regular practice is key for skill development in Pilates. Performing exercises multiple times per week reinforces proper form, refines movements, and enhances overall proficiency.
– Adaptation and progress – The body adapts to exercise through a process of stress, recovery, and adaptation. Training 2 to 3 times a week provides the necessary stress for improvement while allowing the body to adapt and get stronger between sessions.
Story continues below this ad
– Balancing other activities – Pilates can complement other forms of exercise or activities. If you engage in different workouts, having Pilates sessions spaced out allows for a balanced fitness routine that addresses various aspects of physical health.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.