The Benefits of Pilates

So, what is Pilates? Pilates is a low-impact activity that features a series of slow movements, which focus on core strength. There is great importance in your breathing techniques, balance, and flexibility which is all benefitted from Pilates. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates who believed that mental and physical health were both strongly connected. Pilates is suitable for anyone which is even more of a reason to get involved from athletes to seniors, there is no age limit!

There are many benefits to Pilates, the main and most obvious benefit is Pilates is a whole body work out. The focus is core strength however it trains the body as a whole, showing benefits everywhere. The difference between Pilates and weight training is that Pilates trains your body without the bulk. Pilates transforms your body into a long lean body. With Pilates main focus being core strength, this can lead to a much firmer and tighter stomach, and even aid in better digestion – who wouldn’t want that?

Core strength can be overlooked with how important this is for the rest of your body, to help you in living a healthy life. These muscles are relied upon to support our back, posture, and movements. With adequate core strength, this releases the pressure and strain from the neck and shoulders. Allowing the body to relax, as it is now supported and no longer has to overcompensate.

With Pilates focussing so much on core strength, this also benefits our posture which is incredibly important for our bodies. This proves how great Pilates is no matter your age as it can be greatly beneficial in keeping the older generations young and active. While also benefiting the young to help them maintain a healthy posture to see themselves into their seniors years with fewer issues.

Pilates can also work hand in hand with your other fav exercise. With Pilates benefitting your balance, this can assist you in completing exercises that require more balance and control such as lunges. Flexibility greatly increases with Pilates and the range of motion within your joints. This can benefit when stretching after a workout and being able to stretch far deeper than before. While allowing you to feel more mobile and able to do more than you could before.

Pilates has many great benefits that go far deeper than a form of exercise. With Pilates having a great amount of focus on breathing, this workout makes a great option for helping our Mental Health. It’s been proven to reduce stress and lower our blood pressure, and with the continuous focus on breathing, it gives us time in our busy lives to stop, focus, and breath. It is also proven that this form of workout can really help your sleep and improve insomnia. Overall, Pilates is great mentally as endorphins are released which assist in making you feel more positive.