Exercising is a great way to stay healthy and strong. It not only improves body fitness but positively influences mental health. One way of attaining fitness is by strengthening your core. The core affects posture, body balance, and muscular strength.
What Is Pilates?
This is one of the most effective ways of strengthening the core. It is a low-impact exercise that creates muscular flexibility, endurance, balance, and strength. Although Pilates targets core strength, it doesn’t end there. This exercise routine also benefits the whole body.
This is because core strength helps to develop flexible and functional movement throughout the body. Pilates harmonizes breath and movement, aligns body orientation, and supports joints. It is one of the popular exercise routines done by sportsmen during training. It is also an excellent exercise for recovery from injury and rehabilitation.
This is why therapists and gym instructors highly recommend it. One great thing about this exercise routine is that it can accommodate beginners and non-athletes.
Many people believe that Pilates is an exercise for only athletes, weight lifters, and other fitness-related sportspeople. However, complete beginners can do different Pilates routines helping them look amazing. They will start with a simple routine and gradually build up to a more intense one.
Although the reformer bed is a popular piece of equipment for Pilates, a simple workout routine provides impressive results with little or no specialized equipment. With standard gym equipment or even simple yoga mats, these exercises offer effective results.
How to Do Pilates
There are essential characteristics required to do a proper Pilate routine, such as focus, determination, and concentration. You must focus on engaging your core and body muscles. Your entire body stretches in a range of motions. This requires total concentration to ensure you are engaging in the right places.
There has to be a balance between body movement and breathing. Pilates requires repetition for an extended period which requires intense attention.
Here are some Pilate exercises that will engage and strengthen your core:
- Single-Leg Stretch
- Double Leg Stretch
- Leg Circle
- Criss-Cross
- The One Hundred
- Pendulum
- Scissor Kick
- Plank Leg Lift
- Mountain Climber
- Sit-ups
- Crunch
- Reverse Crunch
The effects of these exercises are not seen instantly. However, if they are consistently and properly done, the results are inevitable.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates has many physical and mental health benefits, as an exercise that’s included in most workout routines.
Here are some of the benefits of Pilates:
It Increases Core Strength
An increase in core strength is one of the significant benefits of Pilates. The core is the central system that directs muscle movement and the overall movement of the body. All Pilates exercises engage the core and help build core strength and balance.
It Improves Posture
If you are looking to correct a bad posture or you just want to improve your body posture, Pilates can help you achieve that. Bad posture can affect muscle balance and lead to back pains and inflexibility.
It Helps to Increase Flexibility
Muscle balance determines body flexibility. This impacts the mobility and pain resistance of the body. Flexible muscles allow a wide range of motion, from running and jumping to walking. It also prevents body pains while speeding up recovery from injury.
Conclusion
For older people, pregnant women, someone with a sedentary lifestyle, or an injured person, it is important to consult with a therapist on exercise advice and also work with a fitness instructor or Pilates instructors.
Pilates fits in perfectly in every routine from beginners to professionals, and it is very beneficial to your core and your entire body.
