TEN BENEFITS of PILATES
The benefits of Pilates are numerous. I could write a hundred thousand word article, singing its praises, and throw in lots of facts, but I doubt anyone has that time to read it. So, I shall keep this brief. Below, I have managed to whittle down the super advantages of Pilates, to ten. It wasn’t an easy feat, because its such a great form of exercise for the mind and body, but I’ve accomplished something resembling a condensed version of my thoughts. (That alone is an achievement because I like to chat!)
INCREASES BONE DENSITY
Our current work/lifestyle means we are sitting more at desks and moving less.This has shown to have detrimental effects to bone density. Strong bone density prevents bone degeneration diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It can can affect people of any age
IT IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION.
Certain exercises encourage neuron development and blood flow to the brain, which in turn increases neurotransmitters, and longevity of the neurons responsible for learning, memory, and executive thinking.
IMPROVES YOUR SEX LIFE.
YES you read right! All that tightening of your core stability and pelvic floor muscles, increases blood flow to that area. How many ladies thought their pelvic floor walked off in protest after multiple childbirths and as a result of menopause? Fear not, Pilates brings back the feeling and it’s more fun than Kegel exercises.
IMMUNITY BOOSTING.
Pilates exercises boost the immunity, helping people of all ages thanks to a great improvement in increasing circulation.
IMPROVES BALANCE.
Balance is important at any age and necessary for everyday activities involving coordination, like walking, or any of life’s nonlinear movements, such as reaching up and twisting. Pilates improves balance and gait not only through core strengthening but because of its focus on alignment and whole body exercises.
FOCUSES ON MOBILITY and FLEXIBILITY.
Balance is important at any age for coordination, such as walking, or any of life’s nonlinear movements, like reaching up and twisting. Pilates improves balance and gait not only through core strengthening but because of its focus on alignment and whole body and proprioception exercises.
STRESS RELIEF.
It’s common knowledge that exercise enhances mood enhancing hormones, endorphins. However, the breathing techniques involved during Pilates encourages calm. Pilates students adopt this out of the studio, aiding in mental and emotional well-being.
BACK PAIN REDUCTION.
Pilates targets the deeper abdominal muscles, gluteus muscles and the pelvic floor muscles, strengthening and enabling these muscle groups to work like a brace; lifting and supporting the organs and protect and stabilize the back.
IMPROVES POSTURE
Without a doubt, Pilates encourages good posture in classes, precision of movement being the focus. It encourages you to adopt this attitude outside, and many people will find that sitting/standing straight not only helps with how they present themselves but improve on stability and breathing because oxygen flow is improved. A combination of good posture, stability and breathing also encourages good digestion, which may reduce bloating, which often occurs through bad posture (when it’s not medically induced).
CORE STRENGTHENING.
How many times have you heard that Pilates is all about the core? There’s a reason and it’s justified. Pilates is famously known for its emphasis on the core- the center of the body from which all movement stems. The core is all of the surrounding muscles of the trunk that, when it is strengthened and pliable, supports and stabilizes the body. Core strength is a key factor in decreasing back and hip pain, decreasing pelvic floor dysfunction, hence its nickname “the powerhouse.”
Take care, Eva x
