Are you looking for a way to tone your body and get in shape? Are you tired of the same old exercises at the gym? If so, you should consider starting mat Pilates. It is an effective and fun way to work out your entire body. There are many incredible benefits to reap from this workout, from toning your body to improving your overall health. Keep reading for nine amazing mat pilates benefits to explain why you should start mat pilates today.
Mat Pilates 101
When people think of pilates mat class, they think of being very flexible in doing the exercises. This is not the case, as pilates exercises are an excellent workout for anyone from beginners to advanced exercisers. There are many different types of pilates which include mat or reformer pilates. Mat work is a great option for beginners because of its emphasis on technique before advancing to pilates reformer.
Many people have found that they can improve flexibility by regularly doing these exercises. By stretching your muscles, ligaments and tendons in different ways on your mat, you will help them to lengthen without risking injury. This is vital for helping your body reach its maximum capacity and preventing injuries as you age.
Also, because of the slow movements involved in Pilates, it is an ideal form of exercise for those with joint or muscle issues. If you have trouble when you try to get up from a chair or walk due to stiffness, pilates mat work is an excellent way of alleviating these problems.
9 Mat Pilates Benefits
Let’s say you’re searching for a fantastic approach to getting in shape. The benefits of mat pilates are immeasurable. Here are nine of the most significant benefits of practising mat pilates.
#1 Suitable for beginners
Mat pilates is perfect for beginners as it can be done at your own pace. The exercises are great for those looking to improve their fitness levels and can be done slowly to start with, gradually increasing the time you spend on them.
If you’re new, your pilates instructor will also be able to help you perfect your form and technique so that you are confident with each movement before moving on to something more challenging. This can make a big difference in helping prevent injury during this workout. Mat pilates classes are the best, to begin with learning to control your muscles during exercises before advancing onto reformer work or advanced mat classes.
Beginners pilates are great daily activities to move the body again and improve physical health. However, remember that it is already suitable for people with good physical health.
#2 Low-impact workout
If you love exercising but find it difficult because of back, neck or joint pain, then mat pilates may be just what you are looking for. Unlike other workouts, it doesn’t require treadmills or weights that can be hard on the joints. You will find that it strengthens muscles without adding bulk at all.
Pilates Mat exercises are low-impact and can help you avoid discomfort or pain while working out. Additionally, it is more joint-friendly for your knees, hips, ankles, and feet than other kinds of exercise–making it ideal for seniors seeking to get back into shape but who have arthritis or other issues with their joints. You don’t feel any pain during or after the workout and will be able to move much easier once your mat Pilates routine is done for the day.
This low-impact exercise is perfect for men and women of all ages and fitness levels.
#3 Excellent for rehabilitation
Mat workouts are an excellent way to rehabilitate after an injury, surgery or joint replacement. The slow movements and focus on strengthening areas that may need assistance recovering can make a big difference in how quickly any injuries heal. It can also speed up recovery time, so you get back to normal activities sooner.
Doctors often recommend pilates mat exercises for people recovering from exercise-induced injuries like pulled muscles or sore joints. The reason this type of pilates workout is effective is that it doesn’t put a strain on the joints that need to heal.
This option, whilst recovering from an injury, can prevent people from getting depressed or feeling like they are missing out on a good workout. While mat Pilates is low impact and gentle on your body, it still gives you a great cardio workout and strengthens your muscles.
#4 Sculpt and tones all major muscle groups
Mat Pilates is a full-body workout that tones all the major muscle groups. Most people believe that pilates is only for women, but this is certainly not the case. It offers an excellent workout for men and can help them tone their abs, arms, back and lower body muscles and improve flexibility.
It is not for the faint-hearted, as it is possible to increase the intensity of the workout by adding extra hand weights or resistance, especially in fitness/fusion pilates, to build core strength. It can be a challenging strength and endurance workout, learning to control each muscle while focusing on your breathing. Remember not to rush into the advanced pilates practice as it is necessary to obtain a good form to reap the full benefits of pilates.
If you follow the routine correctly, you will see that it helps you build lean muscle and improves your endurance. Your whole body will be worked out during the routine, so you will also be increasing your metabolism, which means you will continue to burn calories after the workout.
#5 Improves posture, balance and coordination
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles and improving overall body alignment. This means you can stand taller and notice a difference in your posture.
Excellent core muscles can help improve your posture and stability in your joints to prevent back pain, as well as your coordination and balance. Some studies also show that pilates can help decrease lower back pain, reduce stress on your lower spine and increase overall flexibility whilst strengthening back muscles if you practice regularly.
#6 Improves flexibility
Flexibility is another benefit of doing Pilates regularly. You will find that you can bend easier and reach further, which can make a big difference in your day-to-day activities. Furthermore, this exercise helps free up the joints by stretching them out to work better when moving.
This flexibility is excellent for people with a limited range of movement or injuries or who suffer from joint pain, as it can help them move better and feel less stiffness. By improving your flexibility, you will also be able to improve your posture and avoid injury, in the long run, making mat Pilates an excellent all-around exercise that everyone should try!
It is also an excellent exercise for athletes or anyone who wants to improve their range of motion. As your range of motion increases, you can efficiently complete sports moves. Navigating stairs or running on uneven terrain like trails will also become easier as your coordination improves. Strenuous activities often lead to athletes’ bodies taking a beating. Many find refuge in mat pilates as it facilitates muscle recovery.
#7 Mindset and breathing techniques involved
Too often, people forget the value of mindset and breathing techniques during any workout or exercise. If you don’t have the right mindset, getting the most out of your training will be hard, meaning you won’t achieve maximum results.
However, in many Pilates classes, you will be required to focus on your breathing techniques which can help improve your mindset and keep the mind engaged when exercising. Whether doing pilates alone or in a group setting, it helps with deep relaxation and stress relief by emphasising proper breathing habits.
Like yoga, pilates incorporates mind and body connection through breathing exercises to help tone and strengthen your muscles and give you an extra edge when achieving a ripped physique.
#8 Continually challenging workout that remains rewarding
Another benefit of mat exercises is a continually challenging workout that remains rewarding throughout the years. Unlike other types of exercise, you will not become bored or lose interest in completing the exercises because mat pilates can target many muscles. Changing the intensity and the variety of exercises can keep it interesting.
As you advance in your pilates routine, you can increase the intensity and start doing fitness/fusion pilates, where they add weights or resistance bands for upper body strength training to provide a more challenging strength workout. Because each session is different, the routine never grows stale. New skills are always to learn and master, ensuring it is exciting.
#9 No special equipment or gym needed
The best part about this workout is that no special pilates equipment is required to complete the exercises. Since you only need your body weight, it’s possible to tone muscles at home without going to the gym. All you need is a towel, mat, and some extra space for floor-based workouts, making mat pilates convenient for those who often travel or don’t have the money to join a gym. As long as you have enough space and equipment, there’s no excuse not to do pilates.
Wrap up
If you’re looking for a low-impact exercise that can offer a wide range of health benefits, mat pilates is definitely worth considering. Pilates is great for people who are rehabbing an injury, as it helps to rebuild strength in a gentle way. It’s also fantastic for improving flexibility, balance, and tone. And if all of that wasn’t enough, mat pilates is one of the best exercises for relieving stress and tension. So what are you waiting for? Give mat pilates a try today!
