Benefits of Pilates Regular Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension. For elite athletes, including dancers, Pilates can complement training by developing whole-body strength and flexibility, and help reduce the risk of injury. 1 Pilates is Whole Body Fitness Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates does not over-develop certain parts of the body and neglect others. While Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased the range of motion for the joints. Attention to core support and full-body fitness, including the breath and the mind, provide a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere. It is also a reason that Pilates is popular in rehab settings, as well as with athletes who find that Pilates is a great foundation for any kind of movement they do. 2 Pilates Is Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an elite athlete, or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement apply to you. Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates workouts can be tailored to individual needs. There are ways you can modify the exercises and even specific considerations for Pilates for men. This information can help you maximize your classes to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. 3 Pilates Creates Strength Without Bulk Long, lean muscles are the name of the game. In Pilates, you are not looking to build muscles for show. You are building toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of your body as a whole, and your individual functional fitness needs as you move through life. One way Pilates creates long, strong muscles is by taking advantage of a type of muscle contraction called an eccentric contraction. I don't really advise focusing on the aesthetical benefits of exercise, I prefer a client to FEEL the benefit, however aesthetics really are a great bi-product of Pilates. 4 Pilates Increases Flexibility In Pilates, you work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints. You won't find quite as much "pretzel logic" in Pilates (as you might in yoga), but having a body that can stretch and bend to meet the flow of life is a realistic goal. I always say that strength without flexibility is a danger, and flexibility without the supporting strength is a danger. Luckily in Pilates we work on both in tandem creating a wonderful balance. 5 Pilates Develops Core Strength The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. We rely on these muscles to support a strong, supple back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When our core is strong, the frame of the body is supported. Our neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of our muscles and joints are free to do their jobs (but don't have to do more). Before someone moves an arm or leg, people with healthy backs (in contrast with those suffering from low back pain) automatically contract their core muscles, which wrap from the sides of the lower back around to the front. Therefore well-coordinated core muscle use, stabilizes the spine and helps create a firm base of support for virtually all day to day movement as well as more extreme movements required in certain sports. Jospeh Pilates referred to it as "the powerhouse" and really is at the "core" of all our work. Think of it as the foundations of a house. If they are shonky...why would you build the house on them? You would make sure they were solid before you build. It should be the same with your core. Don't build a sky scraper on a soggy foundation, it will never end well. 6 Pilates Improves Posture Good posture is a reflection of good alignment that is supported by a strong core. It is a position from which one can move freely. Starting with Pilates movement fundamentals and progressing through mat and equipment exercises, Pilates trains the body to express itself with strength and harmony. People who practice Pilates often have excellent posture. It's also a reason why people do Pilates for back pain. People often ask me if I can make them taller....sadly I cannot...however I can make them appear taller!!!! And that is practically the same thing. 7 Pilates Increases Energy It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you have. The more energized you are, the more you'll feel like doing your exercise routine (to a point, of course). Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the good feelings one gets from exercising the whole body. To quote one of my favorite movies..."exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy". Who doesn't need that in their lives? 8 Pilates Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and a leaner look, Pilates improves your muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel very fit. If you want to lose weight, the formula for weight loss remains the same: Burn more calories than you take in. As a full-body fitness method, Pilates help will help you do that. Pilates will tone and burn calories and can include cardio work (despite many people thinking it is not cardio workout), but if you crave other aerobic activity I can advise on some aerobic work to compliment your training based on level and injuries etc 9 Pilates Increases Awareness — Body/Mind Connection Joseph Pilates was adamant that Pilates (or "contrology" as he called it) was about "the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit." This is a secret of Pilates exercise. When we practice each movement with our total attention, the body and mind unite to bring forth the most benefit possible from each exercise. The Pilates principles — centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow — are key concepts that are used to integrate body and mind. Often after a session clients tell me they feel mentally refreshed...why? Because to do Pilates correctly you need to immerse your mind in the movement you are doing and switch off from everything else whizzing around in your head. An hour for you...to focus on you...to just park everything else going on in your life for a short while. 10 There Are Many Ways to Learn Pilates The ever-growing popularity of Pilates has put it on the map, which is so great for you guys as there are just so many different ways to start! Joining zoom classes, group mat classes, private mat classes, group reformer, private reformer...in every different corner of the earth you will find some kind of Pilates, so there really is no excuse!! Plus you can use plenty of kit in Pilates but you can also use none! You do not require ANY kit to start!🙌⁠ There is an option to suit every budget and every life style. Pilates is incredibly inclusive and we really are a nice bunch...I promise! So do a google search in your area and get started today!⁠