What is Pilates good for?

You've probably already heard that Pilates is a great form of exercise, but do you know why? Beyond the physical benefits, Pilates is a great way to improve overall wellbeing, so let's dive deeper and answer the question; what is Pilates good for?

TONING

Pilates tones the body in a way that no other form of exercise does! Some forms of exercise focus purely on shortening muscles, whereas Pilates exercises also involve lengthening muscles, by using eccentric muscle contraction.
This eccentric muscle control or 'lengthening' part of each exercise creates a leaner and more defined body.
Using body resistance or light resistance in the form of props or the Reformer machine will actually strengthen and lengthen muscles. How great is that?

WHOLE BODY WORKOUT

Pilates focuses on all muscles of the body and never leaves any body part neglected. Our clients are constantly mentioning how their bodies feel worked in muscles they 'never knew they had!'
Whilst Pilates does centre around core strength, every exercise has the capacity to work the entire body.

MINDFULNESS

Pilates is a discipline that demands mindfulness.
Every Pilates exercise has a specific breathing pattern, which has been designed to assist you to get the most out of your movement.
Following your instructors cues on how to improve each exercise and combining your movement with the breath is a form of mindfulness and for some, meditation.
You'll be amazed how your worries will slip out of your mind when you have to focus on movement, breathing and engaging your core!

CORE STRENGTH

Pilates teaches you to move firstly from the 'core', the deep abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor and the deep muscles of the back.
When these muscles are engaged and strong, the spine and pelvis are stabilised, posture is improved, muscles and joints can do their correct jobs, the body can move freely and injury is much less likely.
Pilates also teaches deep abdominal engagement, which can result in a more toned stomach - bonus!

IMPROVES POSTURE

When the core is engaged correctly, the spine is supported and posture is improved.
Try this: sit as you usually would in front of a computer. Then, think of engaging your 'core'; lift your pelvic floor up and in, as if you are doing up a zipper, then suck your hip bones in towards each other, as if you are doing up the button of tight jeans.
Did you feel how your posture improves when you use your abs? Your pelvis tilts forwards slightly, shoulders draw down and back, your shoulder blades draw down and in, your chest opens, your head sits on top of your neck. Amazing!
Pilates also trains the muscles of your mid back to engage and to become stronger. This in turn will help train the muscles of your upper traps and neck muscles to stop doing all the work and tightening.

Pilates truly is the form of exercise that just keeps on giving! There are many more things Pilates is good for, such as increasing energy, improved flexibility, and its adaptability for clients of all capabilities (even pre-natal and postnatal). Want to experience these benefits? Come try a class with us at our Coorparoo or Camp Hill studio. We can't wait to share the magic of Pilates with you.

What is Pilates good for?