6 Reasons All Women Should Be Doing Pilates

Pilates has become increasingly popular in the recent times and with just cause! Pilates exercise training emphasizes alignment, breathing and the flow of movement to improve flexibility, coordination and balance, build core strength and develop control and endurance in the body. Taking a regular class will benefit almost everyone, from a complete beginner to the very advanced. Read on to discover why adding Pilates to your routine has particular benefits for women.

1. LONG AND LEAN MUSCLES

Pilates is great for increasing your strength without getting an increase in muscle size. The exercises focus on your posture and alignment and when performing these movements correctly, it will result in a toned and defined body.

2. INJURY PREVENTION

Many people who decide to try Pilates for the first time do so to help regain strength after an injury or as a preventative measure. In the gym most people only work on the muscles that you can see on the outside of the body (the ‘big’ muscles) through weight training, sports or running. Incorporating Pilates into your training program will also get you working on your ‘little’ muscles – the ones that help with balance, core control and stabilise your body.

3. CORE STRENGTH AND STABILITY

Your core is not just your abdominal muscles at the front of the torso, it’s your entire mid-section including your abdominals, obliques, lower back, diaphragm, pelvic floor and more. The best kind of core exercises switch on all of these muscles (like a plank) and are not just isolated to the abdominals (like a stomach crunch). Pilates movements are taught nice and slow with an emphasis on form before you progress to harder exercises.

4. PELVIC FLOOR STRENGTHENING

A regular Pilates practice will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles in preparation for childbirth. A strong and healthy pelvic floor will help you stay active and healthy during your pregnancy, after you have given birth and as you grow older. Although Pilates exercises are low impact, it’s always a good idea for new mums to get clearance from their Doctor on when it is safe to return to regular exercise.

5. BETTER POSTURE

Posture is often linked to all sorts of problems like back, neck and shoulder pain and headaches. Having good posture will improve your breathing and oxygenate the body more efficiently. Adding Pilates to your weekly routine will improve your posture and alignment by creating alignment awareness and strengthening postural muscles like your core and back muscles. This will, in turn minimize the impact of lengthy sitting or staring at your mobile phone.

6. ENHANCE PERFORMANCE

Pilates teaches you how to maintain a neutral spine and pelvis which is where your body is most stable and strong. This can be incredibly beneficial in other areas like playing sports, running or weight training. Attending regular Pilates sessions will make you stronger, help you move better and enhance performance in the other activities you enjoy like running, tennis, golf and even dancing. With an emphasis on control, strength, balance, flexibility and stability, Pilates is the perfect exercise method to improve your every day life and enhance your current activities. Contact us today to schedule a trial session and start to feel the benefits for yourself of Pilates. Your body will thank you for it !