Pilates is a popular method of physical conditioning and wellness. It's a low-impact exercise that focuses on balance, flexibility, and breathing. Pilates is commonly practiced by those in the fitness field and those looking to add an alternative workout regimen. If you're trying to find a way to work out without frustration and injury, Pilates is worth testing out.
10 Ways Pilates Will Change The Way You Workout
- Pilates increases core strength.
The center of your body is your core. The core is composed of the back, abdominal, and pelvic muscles. Pilates helps strengthen every part of your core. It targets every muscle in that area and improves posture. When performing Pilates, you will likely find that you can lift heavier weights than in other workouts because your core will be so strong and balanced against gravity.
- It improves flexibility.
Pilates has a slight stretching element that allows you to become more flexible. It helps develop your body's natural abilities because it stretches and strengthens simultaneously. It helps increase the range of motion of muscles, joints, and bones.
- It reduces injuries.
Pilates is an excellent way to reduce the risk of injuries because it focuses on core strengthening. When you have good posture and balance, you can do most anything without risking your spine. Pilates teaches proper alignment for everyday life and physical activities like sports.
- It promotes weight loss.
Pilates can help you lose weight because it strengthens your muscles and keeps your body more active. You will burn calories while performing the exercises, but it also helps develop lean muscle. With stronger muscles, you can continue to wear those body-hugging clothes or fit into your skinny jeans after having a baby.
- It improves balance.
Pilates is designed to improve balance and coordination to feel more confident during everyday movements and sports activities. It helps you walk more stably, run, and jump with ease.
- It helps decrease chronic pain.
Physical fitness is known to help relieve chronic pain. Pilates can help lower your overall pain level and keep your muscles strong and flexible to counteract the stiffness of arthritis and other chronic issues. When your muscles are stronger and more flexible, it reduces joint pains.
- It improves coordination.
Pilates also improves coordination. You will find that you will be able to perform everyday tasks with tremendous success and not feel out of balance. Pilates is designed to develop correct muscle function, which means that your body will be able to perform better the functions it already performs well. If you have trouble doing a five-pound push-up, your muscles are probably weak or imbalanced.
- It improves posture.
Pilates focuses on the correct placement of bones and muscles. When you perform Pilates, you will likely realize that your standing, sitting, and walking posture has improved. The benefits of better posture can be long-term as it helps prevent wear and tear on your joints over time.
- It improves circulation.
Pilates improves circulation by stimulating the muscular system to work more efficiently. It, in turn, increases blood flow to muscles, which means they will be stronger and have a better endurance capacity. When you're more physically fit, your body has better circulation, which means that your muscles, organs, and tissues are getting proper oxygen flow.
- It reduces stress.
Pilates can help reduce stress and anxiety because your mind and bodywork together. You will be focusing on your breathing and body movements, which can calm you during the day.
Pilates works out all of the muscles in the body, not just your lower body. It is fun, easy to learn, and will help you create a better body and mind. Pilates is an excellent alternative to jumping on the elliptical machine or gym. Pilates is also an excellent way to work with kids because it's easy and requires no equipment. Those who incorporate Pilates in their workout routine also develop better focus and mental clarity. You can see these benefits acutely in sports or dance, where mental focus is an essential factor in performance.