Pilates may look intimidating with all the props and poses you see on Instagram, but it’s actually a very accessible, scalable workout. Plus, it can enhance your existing exercise routine.
Performing Pilates two to three times a week, along with other workouts, is the sweet spot for seeing results. This creates stronger and more stable body movement patterns, resulting in better posture and balance.
Convenience
When you’re able to squeeze in a session on your own schedule, you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Thankfully, many of the equipment and props you need for Pilates are already in your home.
Unlike other workouts that focus on the big muscle groups, Pilates exercises target the smaller muscles in your core. It also teaches you to breath correctly and develop a stronger more flexible spine.
The slow, controlled movements can also help you improve your balance and increase your range of motion. Plus, Pilates focuses on coordination and symmetry, so you’ll be more aware of your posture and body positioning in daily life as in sitting up straight on the sofa or carrying a heavy shopping bag.
How long to lay on the floor for back pain? Lay on the floor for 10-15 minutes relieving back pain effectively enjoy flexibility and comfort while addressing your well-being needs.
Personal Attention
Unlike the high-intensity workouts of your favorite cardio classes, Pilates moves are slow and controlled. This helps develop both strength and flexibility simultaneously. It can be a challenge for some who are used to smashing out burpees and squat jumps with speed and momentum.
Because of this, it’s an especially effective workout for beginners, as well as anyone coming back into fitness after an injury or pregnancy. Plus, almost every move has a modification or alternative, so even experienced athletes can find success in Pilates.
The best part is that you don’t need a studio membership or fancy equipment to get your Pilates fix. You can practice at home to keep costs down, work around a busy schedule and reap the many benefits of this low-impact workout that’s great for the mind, body, and soul.
Flexibility
Pilates is a low-impact workout that strengthens core muscles while increasing flexibility and mobility. Its not aerobic and does not build muscle strength as effectively as cardio exercise, but it’s good for beginners because of its strong focus on precision and controlled movements.
It also teaches you to have better posture and balance those skills along with learning to breathe correctly and focusing on the body can translate into everyday life and help you avoid injuries and overuse.
And while Pilates isn’t a cure-all, it can relieve back pain, reduce pelvic floor pain (like dysmenorrhea) and help you feel more energized. Plus, it’s safe for just about anyone to try and doesn’t require expensive equipment or a gym membership. And that means it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule and the more convenient something is, the more likely you are to make it a habit.
Safety
As a low-impact workout that focuses on controlled movements, Pilates is known for its therapeutic and preventive benefits. It can help you recover from back injuries and chronic musculoskeletal issues and promotes proper alignment and movement patterns to reduce your risk of injury in the future.
While some exercises can feel completely different on equipment versus on the mat, you can increase intensity at home by adding in heavier weights or less rest if you’re an experienced fitness buff. Just be sure to start slow and work your way up, so you can avoid injury.
As with any workout, you should avoid Pilates every day, and incorporate it into a well-rounded training regimen that includes resistance and cardio exercises. For example, Pilates doesn’t warm up the body with cardio, so you should incorporate some zone 2 exercise (such as walking briskly, swimming, or biking) to get your heart rate up before you tone up. You should also take care to eat and drink enough water before your workout, and use good form.
