Regardless of your current fitness level, from sedentary office workers to fitness enthusiasts, Pilates conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance. You don’t have to be a serious athlete to benefit from this form of strength training; people of all ages and physical conditions can get an energizing workout while preventing injury. Whatever your goals, Pilates can and will change your body and life!
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that builds flexibility, muscular endurance, and flexibility in the abdominals, hips, lower back, and other things. Joseph Pilates developed the techniques back in the early 1900s, repetitive exercises similar to calisthenics like pushups or sit-ups.
Pilates helps create an understanding that the mind and body are connected, while Yoga focuses on the mind/body/spirit as one. Yoga classes often include meditation to bring the class into focus at the beginning and appreciate the benefits toward the end.
Yoga classes usually have flexible routines, and the classes consist of various combinations of sequences and poses. Pilates classes are usually more structured and include the use of machines in addition to mat work.
Read more on the differences between yoga and pilates here.
Improve posture – Pilates strengthens your back, core, and hips muscles to create a stronger, more flexible spine and bring your body into proper alignment. This reduces additional strain on other muscles and joints, like the knees, because they’re not compensating for poorly balanced back muscles. Better posture will make you look taller and leaner, and it can relieve neck and backaches.
Increase flexibility – With Pilates, you complete a series of movements that both warm and stretch your muscles compared to the stationary poses used in Yoga. When your muscles are warmer, you’ll be able to stretch them farther without pain. Helping your body move freely can increase joint range of motion, relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
Better endurance – A Pilates workout consists of repeated exercises you perform in a row. At first, you might feel tired after completing a class, but as your muscles adapt and get stronger, you’ll have more energy when you’re done. The mental focus required to push through a Pilates sequence will also help you build confidence and enhance your body awareness.
Build Strength – If you want long, toned, lean muscles without bulk, the slow, deliberate movements of a Pilates sequence delivers. Weight lifting targets small groups of muscles, while Pilates focuses on improving your body’s overall strength. This helps correct muscle imbalances that can lead to stress and injury. Pilates is especially effective at challenging the deep abdominal muscles and obliques to support the core, which improves balance. Athletes often use Pilates to strength train for other sports because it’s low impact, so there’s a reduced risk of injury.
Look and feel better – With regular Pilates workouts, you’ll notice a tighter tummy, straight back, and better muscle tone. The efficient movement patterns of the Pilates sequences will help develop functional fitness and make your body less prone to injury. Seniors can benefit from enhanced mobility and agility. Pilates also promotes recovery from strain or injury. Because Pilates helps your body release mental and physical tension, you may also find that your digestive system works better and that you sleep better.
Read more Pilates health benefits here.
Originally made popular by dancers, Pilates conditioning is great for seniors, athletes, teens, men, and women of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve had years of experience, we’ll be there to guide you through the workouts. We offer private and semi-private training in our fully equipped studio and Group Reformer, JumpBoard, and ALL equipment training. Drop-in mat classes are included in your membership, too.
Give it a try – schedule a complimentary Pilates session at Genesis Health Club today!