Pilates was a workout that started in the early 20th century, but really boomed in popularity in the late 90’s early 00’s with classes popping up all over the world. While in recent years, it has taken something of a back burner to more popular and intense forms of working out such as HIT training, super circuits, boxercise, and other such workout methods.
Pilates is still a fantastic way to give yourself a good workout and help you release a bit of stress as well. Pilates is just amazing for your body, and here are just 10 of the benefits of Pilates workouts.
Pilates Is Good For Your Mind As Well As Your Body
While Pilates is great for your muscles, joints and overall body, one of its main benefits is the way that it makes you feel mentally. Pilates requires that you focus on your breathing; your movements and that you synchronize these together. By doing this you can let go of all the stress and things that bother you in your everyday life. Many people do not realise just how much of a great stress reliever Pilates is.
It Can Help Give You A Flat Stomach
If you are someone who is looking to tone up their abs and strengthen their core then Pilates is a great way to do this. The exercises that you do in a Pilates session will really strengthen your core and help tone and tighten those abs. Many people say that a Pilates workout is one of the best abs workouts a person can do.
Pilates Gives You Lean And Flexible Muscles
Most people who lift weights will gain short and bulky muscles and for them this is great, but this is not for everyone. Pilates on the other hand stretch and strengthen your muscles in a different way than lifting weights does. Short bulkier muscles are at greater risk of injury, but Pilates will tone your muscles in a way that helps muscle elasticity and joint mobility.
Pilates Is Great If Your Suffer From Back Pain
Because of the movements and different exercises that you will be doing, Pilates is something you should strongly consider if you have chronic lower back pain. Lower back pain can be a very annoying and uncomfortable situation to live with. However, because of the way Pilates strengthens your core many people find that after just a short few weeks, their back does not feel as bad.
If You Are An Athlete It Can Help Your Performance
While some athletes may think that they are a little too “macho” for Pilates or that it is just for older ladies, professional athletes such as Chicago Bulls forward, Joakim Noah have embraced the practice.
Most athletes who use Pilates in their workouts find that having a stronger core greatly helps their overall performance. Not only this, but because of the way Pilates elongates and stretches the muscles it can help prevent injuries as well.
A Pilates session a couple of times per week if you are an athlete is a great way to help keep your body in top condition.
Pilates Has Been Scientifically Proven To Increase Brain Functionality
Joseph Pilates is the man who created Pilates and he himself referred to it as the “the thinking man’s exercise” and there have been more than a few studies in recent times that have proven this to be true.
Some major cognitive functions such as memory performance have shown to be increased in people who have been practicing Pilates for ten weeks or more.
So not only are you exercising your body and spirit, you are also exercising your mind as well!
You Can Do Pilates The Way You Want
Getting out of the house and going to a Pilate’s class is a great way to meet new people and learn from an experienced instructor. Most gyms and health clubs these days will have numerous Pilates classing running during the week.
However, this is not the only way to learn Pilates. There are some other ways to get a good workout if going to a gym does not sound like something you would want to do. Books, DVD’s, and even websites are all there to help you learn Pilates. Then once you have a bit of confidence, you may feel up to going to an actual class.
Pilates Is Very Low Impact
A huge benefit of Pilates is the way that the exercises are all so low impact. Most of the exercises that you would do in a Pilate’s class will have you sitting down or laying down.
Those that do require some kind of weight such as an exercise ball are still not going to be putting a lot of stress or impact on your body. This makes Pilates a great workout for those new to exercise or those getting over an injury or even those with health problems.
You Will Feel Fantastic!
Pilates will help you focus on your breathing and also get your circulation flowing properly. The end result of this is that you will feel like you have far more energy. This will really give you a boost and make you feel great. When you do a Pilates workout you will feel incredible and refreshed at the end of it, unlike after lifting weights where you may feel sore and achy.
A Pilates Workout Can Be Tailored To Your Needs
While Pilates is a very low impact and peaceful kind of workout, it can also be a very challenging one if that is what you desire. There are Pilates workouts that are suitable for people from all walks of life, so if you do want something that is going to push you that little bit more then Pilates is a great choice.