Some people prefer to spend their weekend vacation relaxing and away from the hustle and bustle. In some cases, you may be able to intern in the comfortable facilities of a spa.
Well, this time it didn't apply to me. I literally flew to a small country on the Irish Sea to discover the roots of the trendiest workout.
The Isle of Man is very close to the UK, just a 20-minute flight from Liverpool, but despite its proximity, many Brits are unaware of its beauty and importance in the creation of Pilates.
Known as a grueling physical workout that not only strengthens muscles and promotes flexibility, but also strengthens the mind-body connection, this exercise has gained considerable attention in recent years.
But what many may not know is that this exhilarating workout has much darker origins in this very self-governing British Crown Dependency.
Pilates was invented in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer born in Mönchengladbach, Germany, to a gymnast father and a naturopathic mother.
The idea for his method came to him during World War I, when he was interned at Knockaloe camp on the Isle of Man.
During his four years there, Pilates worked with other inmates to refine a system of exercises designed to strengthen both mind and body.
He believed that there was a deep connection between mental and physical well-being, and his method aimed to strengthen both through a series of controlled movements.
That's why my journey began with a walking quest through the quaint little coastal town of Peel. So I discovered the science behind this challenging but efficient form of exercise while hiking to that glorious castle.
And since body and mind are inherently connected, the next thing that seems natural after a grueling 4-hour hike is to do some breathing exercises and a cold plunge session to help you settle into a deep relaxation and meditative state. It was.
Although it may be easy to overlook, intense physical activity combined with mindfulness and meditation is key to a deeper understanding of Pilates as a practice and how it strengthens specific functions in the body. .
My tour of this magical island full of myths and traditions ended on a high note with my first class in Mat Pilates, a slower, guided version of the more intense exercises I often see on social media.
With slow movements and calculated stretches, this exercise activates your muscles while releasing a feel-good hit of dopamine. It goes without saying that regular practice provides long-term benefits.
