If you’re like most people, the word “pilates” probably doesn’t mean much to you. It sounds like some exotic exercise or maybe a new type of yoga. Many people never try simply because they think it’s just another useless thing on their already busy schedule. But there is so much more to pilates than just a workout.
In reality, pilates is an age-old workout that has been around for over 100 years. And despite its growing popularity, many people still don’t know what it is or the many benefits it offers. It can help with everything from lower back pain to anxiety and stress. Read on to learn what does pilates help with and what benefits pilates offers, and what enhances the quality of life.
What are pilates exercises?
Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles. Joseph Pilates developed it in the early 1900s to help people with physical limitations regain strength and mobility. The exercises improve flexibility, coordination, balance, and endurance. And because it’s low-impact, it’s an excellent workout for all ages and fitness levels.
Most of this workout is done on a mat, although some machine-based exercises are accessible. The most common equipment is the reformer, a frame that you lie on with springs and pulleys.
What does pilates help with?
Pilates is one of those exercises that many people never try due to the misconception that it’s just another useless thing on their already-busy schedule. But there’s so much more to it than just a workout.
Pilates has so many benefits that it’s hard to name them all. People seek pilates to tone their muscles, increase strength, improve flexibility and balance, and better posture and alignment.
The following are some of the advantages that pilates can provide to your body:
Muscles – strength and flexibility
Pilates is a type of exercise that helps with muscles. People do it because they want to tone and strengthen their muscles. It works by using your body weight and resistance to build strength.
On the other hand, it also stretches the muscles to assist flexibility. It’s an excellent workout for those looking to improve their range of motion. Pilates is said to help lengthen the muscles, reducing the risk of injury.
Arthritis: stability and mobility on Joints
One thing that makes pilates so great for your body is that it helps with joint stability and mobility. One study showed that regular pilates practice improved hip abduction and external rotation range of motion in healthy women.
The movements in pilates can help lubricate the joints, which can then reduce stiffness and pain. This can be highly beneficial for people who suffer from conditions like arthritis.
Balancing act
Pilates is also excellent for your balance. The nature of the exercises helps train your body to maintain balance, which can help your everyday life. From walking and standing to more challenging activities like running and playing sports, pilates can help improve your balance and coordination.
Back pain and posture
Pilates is often recommended as an exercise for people who suffer from back pain. This is because it helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, providing support and stability.
It can also help improve posture and alignment, reducing the strain on the back. In addition, Pilates’ stretching movements can help relieve tension or knots in the back muscles.
Should and Neck pain
Neck and shoulder discomfort is another problem that pilates can assist with. This pain is often caused by poor posture, which can be remedied with regular Pilates practice. The exercises strengthen the muscles in the neck and shoulders, giving stability and reducing discomfort.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation
With all of the advantages, Pilates offers, it’s no surprise that it can also help you avoid getting hurt. The strengthening and stretching of the muscles might assist with strains and sprains prevention. Furthermore, enhanced balance and coordination can prevent falls and other incidents.
Rehabilitation with pilates is possible. Pilates may assist you to get back on your feet if you have just suffered an accident. Pilates’ delicate and soothing movements may be adjusted to match your specific needs, making it a good exercise for rehabilitation.
Mental Health – Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Pilates has also been shown to be beneficial for mental health. One study found that regular practice can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. By following the principles of concentration, control, breath and flow, pilates can help to calm the mind and provide a sense of inner peace. It can be helpful in relaxation, managing stress, and improving focus and concentration.
The breathing technique utilised in pilates can also benefit those suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. This deep and rhythmic breathing can be applied outside of pilates and during an attack to help calm and soothe the mind.
Brain Health: Tension headaches
Pilates has even been shown to help with brain health. One study found that it can help to reduce tension headaches. It does this by improving blood flow to the head and neck, relaxing the muscles and relieving pain.
The brain-healthy benefits of pilates don’t stop there. It has been found to help with memory, attention, and cognitive processing. This is likely due to improved blood flow and increased brain oxygenation.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Conditions
Most people would not consider pilates a form of exercise beneficial for diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. However, this is not the case. Pilates can help to improve blood sugar levels and heart health in people with these conditions.
Moderate-intensity exercises help increase overall fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease. Pilates can help improve blood sugar control with regular practice as exercising can increase insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle.
Pilates can also help lower blood pressure and improve heart health in cardiovascular conditions. The exercises help strengthen the heart and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Multiple Sclerosis
Pilates has also been shown to be beneficial for those with multiple sclerosis. The gentle and slow movements can help improve balance and coordination, often impaired in people with MS. It can also help with strength and flexibility, which the illness may hinder. In addition, regular practice can help to reduce fatigue and enhance the quality of life in people with MS.
Wrap up
So, as you can see, there is more to pilates than just a workout. It is a great exercise with many benefits for overall health and well-being. Pilates provides a host of benefits for the body, mind and spirit.
Whether you are looking to improve your balance, posture, back pain or mental health, pilates can help. It also helps with many issues, including preventing injuries, rehabilitation after an injury, mental health issues, brain health, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, multiple sclerosis and more.
With regular practice, the benefits pilates offers are endless! So, what are you waiting for? Start practising pilates today and see the fantastic benefits for yourself!
