What Pilates can do for you!?

Jul 19

There are various styles and forms of Pilates, ranging from mat and equipment classes, and from classical to clinical styles. But what you can be sure of is a total body workout that incorporates various components of fitness!

I’ve broken down the top 5 benefits that I believe Pilates will give you:

1. Core! Core! Core!

For many individuals this is the main reason for participating in Pilates sessions. Pilates is about addressing the core - not only through strength work, but also with stability. By developing both components, we can help to support daily movements and reduce general aches and pains, including that common culprit: low back pain.

2. Muscular Strength

Yes, muscles! Pilates is an excellent way to isolate muscles that you normally wouldn’t be working in a weights-based strength routine. I have a conversation with many of my clients that adding Pilates is the perfect way to add some cross training and help improve their weight training sessions.

3. Flexibility & Mobility

Joseph Pilates created this method for this exact purpose. Although his target audience at the time was mostly dancers, you will still be able to enjoy the components to address overall improved movement. Pilates incorporates both dynamic and static stretches, meaning that you work through your full range of movement to ensure a healthy and safe progression.

Body Awareness & Balance _ Acuity Pilates

4. Body Awareness & Balance

Probably my favourite reason for doing Pilates is the amount of control and concentration you will train during a session. (You might not know, but Joseph Pilates actually named his method “Contrology”.) Every movement in Pilates practices purpose and intention, working to create a real “mind- body” connection.

5. Injury Prevention

Talking more on the more clinical side of things, by aiding in the development of proper and effective movement, Pilates can help to enhance efficient movement patterns. It is for this reason that Pilates is often used as a form of rehabilitation, even among star athletes.