Could pravilo become the new Pilates? The ancient Russian fitness training method used by athletes for recovery is gaining popularity online (but it looks like medieval torture!)

An ancient Russian exercise likened to 'medieval torture' is becoming increasingly popular after snippets of the technique were shared online.

This technique, called pravilo, involves tying and stretching a person's every limb.

The technique was developed thousands of years ago for soldiers going into battle, but is still popular in Russia and the Slavic countries.

Clips of athletes lying spread-eagle and helped by a rope are now gaining popularity online.

Users lie down for as short or as long as they like, with short bursts of 15-30 seconds or longer than 1-2 minutes.

A man being held up by the pravilo device, which increases blood flow and strengthens the limbs

This awkward position is intended to strengthen the internal framework of joints, tendons and ligaments.

But pravilo doesn't just offer physical benefits, users can also expect an improvement in mental clarity and better ability to work under stress.

This is because pravilo increases blood flow, making the body more agile and the mind calmer.

Many pravilo enthusiasts claim that the practice makes them feel better all around and improves their athletic performance.

The odd The combination of exercises varies from trainer to trainer, but usually focuses on bodyweight exercises, flexibility exercises and functional movements.

Pravilo is thought to be so effective because the ancient Russians who used the method in the early days did it with the intention of being a versatile and capable warrior.

Exercise methods common in the West, such as deadlifts, squats and bench presses, result in the joints being compressed so that the body builds strength during the compression.

However, with pravilo, the continuous position involves pulling on the joints, spine and legs in a way that allows users to build strength in the tendons and ligaments.

A female fitness enthusiast using the age-old pravilo technique, which involves twisting the body into a very uncomfortable position

So could pravilo become the latest fitness trend?

Although it is popular in the Slavic world, there are only a few studios in the UK and US.

But given the popularity of Pilates it could very well come to the UK in the future.

Pilates is a training method that aims to create a strong, functional body by reducing muscle imbalances and increasing core strength.

Created by Joseph Pilates as a way to build strength in prisoners of war, it is incredibly powerful, and I don't know anyone who doesn't need Pilates in their daily life.”

The regime was originally intended to allow POWs to maintain healthy bodies while in prison.

It has since transformed into a daily 'It Girl' routine – and it also targets the alignment of the spine and the small muscles that support your musculoskeletal system.

Professionals swear by Pilates as a low-intensity form to kick-start weight loss and body improvement, with some 'Strong Pilates' classes promising to help you burn 800 calories per session.