Pilates workouts were designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and have gained popularity in recent years. Benefits include core muscle strengthening, improved posture, low impact on the body, increased flexibility, stress relief, and reduced effects of menopause. It is recommended to start slow with a well-trained teacher and add cardiovascular exercises.
Joseph Pilates designed Pilates workouts in the early 20th century, and these different exercises were widely practiced by gymnasts, but didn’t gain popularity until the late 20th century. Today people can find classes on Pilates mats, Pilates machines, and a variety of DVDs and tapes that teach different exercises and are designed to benefit the body in many ways. There are many benefits attributed to Pilates, but some of the benefits claims may vary due to the instructor’s experience and the student’s ability to modify the exercises to the current fitness level.
A common statement about Pilates workouts is that they work on the core muscles. These are the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back. A stronger core can correspond to better balance and improved posture. Several studies on Pilates have also shown that people with mild low back pain or hip pain can be helped by gentle exercises that emphasize core work. Improved posture may also decrease things like neck, shoulder, or knee pain.
Another benefit of Pilates workouts done correctly is that they tend to have a low impact on the body and a low rate of injury to the athlete. This really depends on the quality of the instruction and a person’s ability to listen to instructions. Poor instruction can mean injury, and as with any exercise, it’s best to first get a doctor’s clearance and take initial, gentle classes.
Pilates doesn’t build massive muscles and it’s not a cardio exercise, although it’s infinitely superior to doing nothing. The American Council on Exercise still sees Pilates workouts as a great way to increase cardiovascular fitness. The work done tends to result in lengthened muscles and increased flexibility, and a vigorous workout will still burn some calories.
There have also been many claims that Pilates workouts, by increasing flexibility, are of great use to people in menopause. Retaining muscle mass could slow or reduce osteoporosis. Flexibility and balance can keep joints from deteriorating and can prevent falls.
Pilates workouts are partially based on yoga and have a strong emphasis on the mind-body connection. Many people find stress relief through any form of exercise, and some classes combine yoga and Pilates. Stress reduction has many potential benefits and can lead to better heart health, less insomnia, and reduced anxiety.
In general, Pilates workouts can benefit people by working core muscles, strengthening lean muscles, increasing flexibility and balance, reducing the effects of menopause, reducing back pain, and emphasizing a mind/body connection. Pilates is not an aerobic exercise, so people should be sure to add cardiovascular exercises to this form of training. It is a good idea to start slow with a well-trained teacher when beginning Pilates workouts or if a person has physical problems. For more advanced students, home treadmill workouts or advanced studio workouts are often appropriate and challenging.
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