Pilates, Please! From Trend to Lifestyle
In the world of fitness, trends come and go—but there’s one that’s truly staying: Pilates. More specifically, Reformer and Hot Mat Pilates, which have taken over the Lebanese fitness scene. But why the sudden surge in popularity, and what makes these methods stand out? Let’s break it down.
Reformer Pilates: The Machine of Magic
When you think of Pilates, you might imagine a quiet studio filled with stretching bodies, but throw in a machine, and it’s a whole new ballgame. Meet the Reformer; a resistance-based apparatus that takes Pilates to the next level. According to fitness trainer and Pilates instructor, Mireille Azzi, the Reformer isn’t just any machine. It's a dynamic piece of equipment that combines springs, straps, and a sliding carriage to help you engage your muscles.
“Reformer Pilates targets the whole body,” explains Mireille. “You can be lying down, kneeling, or even standing on the carriage during your session.” It’s a full-body workout that focuses on strength, flexibility, balance, and posture, all while being low-impact on the joints, and the best part is that you can customize the intensity of your workout depending on your fitness level.
Benefits include core strength, full-body toning, improved posture and flexibility, and increased endurance. Plus, it’s mindful fitness, teaching you to connect both body and mind.
For Mireille, it’s about consistency. Two to three sessions a week and you’ll start seeing improvements in your posture, core, strength, and flexibility in 3 to 6 weeks, she adds.
Hot Mat Pilates: Sweat It Out
If you like your workouts hot, then Hot Mat Pilates is your next obsession. As Pilates instructor Elissa Maadarany explains, Hot Pilates takes the traditional Pilates workout and cranks up the heat to over 32°C. Why? Because heat warms up your muscles for deeper stretching and increased injury prevention.
“Hot Pilates helps release toxins through sweat, making you feel amazing and glowy afterward,” says Elissa. And if you’re worried or intimidated about the heat, don’t be, the class is always comfortable, and sweat is just part of the process.
In Hot Pilates, the focus on breathing helps you push your limits while minimizing water retention. The heat also makes your muscles more pliable, allowing you to reach new levels of flexibility. All you need to do is stay hydrated before, during, and after the session, and come dressed in comfortable, breathable clothes.
Now, it’s no secret that Pilates has long been a female-dominated sport, since many men perceive Pilates as too gentle or not challenging enough because it doesn’t focus on bulking muscles. But the truth is, it’s about toning, strengthening, and improving flexibility, and anyone—men included—can benefit from it.
Why the Trend?
The rise of Pilates in Lebanon can be credited to a more holistic approach to wellness and the growing interest in fitness. With more accessible studios, certified instructors, and flexible schedules, it’s easier than ever to jump in. Pilates is the perfect blend of fitness and mental wellness, offering results that require time and dedication. Unlike many other fitness trends that rely on instant results, Pilates is all about consistent effort and long-term progress.
Before I leave you with all this juicy insight, let me sprinkle in a bit of my own experience: if you haven’t tried Pilates yet, this is your sign! I was totally out of the fitness game, but one class was all it took to hook me. Now? I’m obsessed—and it’s a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. Trust me, you’ll be addicted in the best way.
And hey! If it’s still not your thing after all that, no worries—you can always stick around for the good vibes, the fun community, and the even funnier jokes.
