Over the last few years, Pilates has become incredibly popular with both health professionals and celebrities, who have incorporated the exercise into their weekly routine. Joining a Pilates class can offer a number of benefits, with research proving that Pilates can make a big difference to our health, strength and mobility. Here’s our guide to Pilates and why you should try it out to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a low impact exercise that has a specific focus on core strength and balance, aligning breathing with muscle alignment and work on posture. There are over 600 different exercises that can be used as part of Pilates, including work on mats and with various equipment.
Pilates works the small and deep muscles in your body to strengthen and support you when making movements and performing daily activities. As muscles tone and strength to provide balance to the whole body, the core muscles are developed offering noticeable improvement in physical health. Participating in these exercises over time can enhance your lifestyle and help you to lose body fat.
Who can get involved with Pilates?
Pilates is ideal for anyone, despite your fitness level, age, gender or race. This is because exercises can be modified for your needs, so you should only push yourself to a safe limit when working on core strength. You will find a range of people participating in Pilates, but don’t feel afraid to speak to the instructor for advice beforehand if you are worried about your fitness level or risk of injury.
Is Pilates a good workout for weight loss?
Pilates can be the perfect addition to your life as a way to lose weight because it builds muscle tone, increasing your metabolism and mobility. However, it is also important to eat a balanced diet and get involved with medium to high-intensity exercise, if possible. Working your whole body and eating healthily can help you to lose weight.
What are the benefits of joining Pilates?
Working your core and abdominal muscles in Pilates will improve your wellbeing in a range of ways. After joining Pilates you may see results in a number of ways:
Helps to prevent injuries
Strengthening the muscles in the body and balancing your skeleton can help to prevent injury from day to day activities, and makes moving about easier and pain-free. Pilates is ideal for those that suffer from back pain or pain in joints as Pilates promotes enhanced muscular control and frees tension in your body.
Improves posture
You are sure to see an improvement in your posture after getting involved with Pilates. The exercises include movement and stretching to properly align your body, core and skeleton. This means that there will be less tension when moving, walking and exercising, helping to improve your posture. You will also notice an improvement in your flexibility after settling into a Pilates routine.
Increases energy
One of the best things about Pilates is that it will give you a boost of energy and endurance. Because your strength will increase through practice and perseverance, you will naturally become fitter and able to control your breath better when moving about. Research has shown that Pilates performed regularly can have a big impact on overall energy levels.
Decreases stress
Pilates can help decrease stress because it aligns the mind, body and breathing so that the production of endorphins increases and your cortisol levels decrease. Cortisol is a stress hormone in our system that can have a big effect on our minds and the way we feel each day. Pilates can not only increase energy but also calm and promote rejuvenation when necessary.
Improves sleep
Any regular exercise will have an improvement on your sleep; one of the most important things to get right in order to feel good. Because Pilates provides you with more energy during the day, you are able to relax properly at night, getting a better night’s sleep.
Boosts your immune system
A regular Pilates workout can develop your immune system due to improved circulation. An increase in strength and flexibility will allow your body to function properly, improving your immunity. A good flow of blood and better posture are just some of the key improvements you will see from Pilates practice.
Helps with muscle toning and weight loss
Abdominal work through Pilates will tone your muscles and aid weight loss so you can live a healthier lifestyle. Attending classes regularly will support fat loss and build your strength. The exercises truly do work wonders on the body, so why not try it out for yourself?
How long does it take to see the benefits of Pilates?
If you are attending classes 2 to 4 times per week, you will most likely feel results after 3 – 4 weeks. Results also depend on your fitness level and lifestyle, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t feel a difference straight away. Be patient and consistent to gain the results you’d like.
Pilates with JFK Sports Physio
John Kenny at JFK Sports Physio is a certified PPI Pilates instructor who works with people of all ages, as well as working with sports teams and private groups to build fitness and help reduce the risk of injuries. John works on six main principles while teaching Pilates; control, breath, the flow of movement, precision, centring and stability. Find out more on our website and contact us to book your first session today.
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