Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is a type of workout that targets your whole body through a series of movements that relax and strengthen your muscles. You may have heard about Pilates or watched videos of people doing Pilates. But do you really understand the effects of these movements on your body? Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an athlete, Pilates is beneficial to everyone, as it teaches all the basic moves required to activate your inactive muscles.

Why is it important to do Pilates?

During your daily life activities, your body uses the same muscles in the same motion as your body previously recognises. This can lead to the shortening or tightening of some muscle groups and the lengthening or weakening of the opposites muscles that are not being used.

Pilates is carried out by a range of movements that targets those muscles which are not regularly used. It provides a stretching effect to the muscles that usually become short due to overuse and strengthens those muscles that become weak as a result of disuse.

Keeping these basic movements in mind, let’s have a look at the benefits of Pilates for your body.

1. Core strength

As we’ve already talked about the fact that Pilates strengthens your muscle, here is how it is done. During your daily work routine, you use your arms and legs much more than using your trunk. This behaviour causes your core muscles to become weak over time. Pilates increases the strength of your abdominal muscles, glutes, back muscles, and thigh muscles. All these muscle groups are responsible for providing stabilisation of your spine. Their weakness results in the overuse of your peripheral muscles for maintaining stability.

During the exercise, your body follows a range of movements that specifically strengthening these muscles. By using the Pilates Circle  you can strengthen the different muscle groups in your upper and lower body.

2. Flexibility

Pilates is known as a great workout for core strengthening. It is also considered a good workout for improving muscle length. The overuse of certain muscles during our daily routines leads to the tightening of your upper back, neck, and leg muscles. These may be felt at their tightest after working in your office or at home. Doing Pilates regularly stretches the muscles that are generally prone to shortening and thus it improves your body’s flexibility and range of motion. It’s easy to massage your shortened upper back and neck muscles using the Redondo Exercise Ball.

3. Posture

Pilates also improves your posture. The common postural faults include a forward head posture (FHP) and sway back posture (lumbar lordosis) both of which are treated effectively if you practice regular stretching and strengthening exercises.

Hence Pilates gives you a full package covering all aspects of your musculoskeletal health.

4. Endurance

Pilates does not only focus on a muscles and bones workout, but it also includes following a breathing pattern to improve oxygen intake. Therefore, with this mechanism, it improves cardiorespiratory endurance, and it is not a high-intensity exercise.

In short, Pilates is a low-impact workout that promotes circulation and breathing and prevents fatigue.

5. Balance

Pilates focuses on the entire body, not just a single area or system. It has been proven by research to improve static and dynamic balance by facilitating your brain to memorise and control your movements. It improves coordination by improving neurological control along with muscular control.

To increase your dynamic strength and balance, why not add a non-looped TheraBand to your Pilates.

6. Back Pain

Strengthening the core muscles, creating a good posture, and relieving muscle spasms are all factors contributing to preventing and treating lower back pain. With core muscle strength, your spine remains in a neutral alignment, thus your back is not strained while doing any household or office work.

7. Injury prevention

Once you attain strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, you encounter fewer injuries. By improving your dynamic strength and stabilisation, Pilates makes your body suitable for physical challenges like heavy sports, bodybuilding, and athletics.

You can use our Premium Foam Roller, as it is large enough to use on your entire back.

8. Body Awareness

Lastly, Pilates is a mind-body workout, which means that it keeps your mind connected with your body. This practice creates an awareness in your brain about your body status including, posture, strength, problem areas, weak points, and pains. Pilates connects you with your body at many levels which enhances your emotional, physical, and aesthetic well-being as per recent studies.

Stay Safe and Train Well!

FAQ

Can Pilates change your body shape?

Yes, Pilates can change your body shape by improving muscle tone, posture, and flexibility. It focuses on strengthening the core and improving alignment, which can lead to a more sculpted, elongated appearance. While it may not lead to drastic changes like intense weight lifting, Pilates is effective for creating a leaner, more toned physique.

How long does it take to see results from Pilates?

Results from Pilates can vary based on your fitness level, consistency, and goals. Many people begin to notice improvements in flexibility, posture, and muscle tone within 2-4 weeks of regular practice. Visible changes in muscle tone and strength may take 6-8 weeks, but consistency is key for long-term benefits.

What are 10 benefits of Pilates?

1. Improved core strength
2. Increased flexibility
3. Better posture
4. Enhanced balance and stability
5. Injury prevention and rehabilitation
6. Increased muscle tone and definition
7. Stress relief and relaxation
8. Improved joint mobility
9. Better coordination and body awareness
10. Boosted mental clarity and focus

Can Pilates help you lose weight?

While Pilates isn’t a high-intensity calorie-burning workout like running or cardio, it can contribute to weight loss by increasing lean muscle mass and boosting metabolism. When combined with a healthy diet and other forms of cardiovascular exercise, Pilates can help with weight management and promote a toned, lean physique.

Is Pilates better than the gym?

Whether Pilates is better than going to the gym depends on your fitness goals. Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and balance, which is great for overall health, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. The gym offers a broader range of exercises for building strength and muscle mass, particularly through free weights and machines. Pilates is ideal for improving posture and toning, while the gym might be better for building maximum strength and size. Many people find that combining both provides a well-rounded fitness routine.