For many of us, leading a balanced and happy life means finding our stride in a number of ways. Whether that’s at work, with family, nutrition and finding an exercise regimen that is something we want to do rather than something we force ourselves to do. For some folks that means trips to the gym for weight-lifting and aerobics, for some it’s running miles per day no matter the weather, but for many it’s a balance of hard work and a calming, centering routine. If you’re after the latter – meaning: you’re ready to work hard, but you also want to be focused and tranquil, Pilates is an excellent option. Using exercises that help increase range of motion, abdominal strength, circulation and improve posture, Pilates is a system that starts by helping you to strengthen your core. If you think this sounds right up your alley or you still aren’t sure, here’s a look at the benefits of Pilates to help you decide.
1. You’ll get in tune with your body. If you’re new to exercise in general, you’ll quickly realize that the more exercise you do, the more you’ll begin to understand both the capabilities and limitations of your body. You may be more flexible than you think or be lacking core strength where you thought you had it – Pilates will help you understand all that and more.
2. You’ll understand your posture and why that’s important. Pilates helps build such a sense of body awareness that you’ll suddenly be in tune with your posture. You’ll stop yourself from slouching the moment you start – and you’ll actually want to sit and stand up straight – and even engage your core.
3. You’ll build a much stronger core. Most of the main Pilates moves are focused on using your core muscles (deep, deep muscles that haven’t been accessed before) to maintain the strength of the rest of your body. In Pilates, a strong core means a strong build and other limbs and muscle groups will follow suit.
4. You’ll level of flexibility will increase. Strengthening and lengthening your muscle groups will help you develop a higher level of flexibility, while all that movement will loosen everything up. Much like yoga or ballet, lots of focused and slow exercises will give muscles the opportunity to stretch out a bit.
5. Your body will change – in a good way! Pilates is not about weight loss, but upping your exercise will certainly contribute to a better looking (and feeling!) you. Pilates will help to engage your core, giving your waist some added definition and your full body the encouragement to stand tall and lean.
What’s your go-to exercise routine? Would you consider shaking things up and adding Pilates to your weekly workouts?
