3 things you don’t know about Pilates.

Aug 3

There are so many benefits to Pilates including improved stability, greater core connection, and of course, fun! But there are so many more reasons to give it a try. Here are just a few that you might not know about...

1. It’s great for breath work and increased lung capabilities!

Pilates teaches us many different breathing techniques including lateral breathing. This is where we expand the lungs to the left and to the right (as opposed to belly breathing in like we do in yoga). The benefit of this is greater connection with your transverse abdominal muscles, increased lung capacity, and better mobility throughout the rib cage. It also takes pressure off the pelvic floor.

2. It increases your balance

Particularly as we age or recover from injury, balance becomes a concern. Pilates can help with that! Standing exercises promote balance and studies show it can even lower the number of falls in older adults. If you are recovering from a serious injury, however, it’s best to get clearance from your healthcare practitioner before incorporating something new.

3. It improves flexibility

Many people associate yoga with improved flexibility but Pilates helps too! There are several exercises within the Pilates repertoire that elongate the body as well as increasing joint mobility and overall range of motion.

Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates famously said, “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” and this point cannot be overlooked. Exercise and movement have a direct link to emotional well-being and overall happiness.