Pilates is a popular exercise with many health benefits. Developed in the early 20th century, it has flourished as a rehabilitation tool for sports injuries and other issues. Over the years, the benefits of Pilates have prompted the exercise’s wider adoption in the fitness world. The exercise has expanded from having a rehabilitative focus to becoming a preventative and widely practiced fitness program.
If you are new to Pilates, you may wonder if it fits your fitness needs well. Below, we’ll outline three major benefits of Pilates to help you understand what it can do for you:
- Mind-Body Connection: Joseph Pilates, who invented the Pilates exercise method, was interested in much more than physical conditioning. He studied yoga, Zen meditation, and martial arts, which influenced his development of the Pilates exercises. As a result, Pilates includes breath control and body awareness. Pilates is a great exercise option for those looking to add strengthening and stretching exercises to their mindful movement practices.
- Flexibility: Pilates involves stretches that improve flexibility. This can help prevent injuries and preserve or increase your range of motion.
- Building Core Strength: One key benefit of Pilates is building core strength. When thinking of the “core,” many people focus on abdominal muscles. However, in Pilates, the exercises benefit more than just the abdomen. The lower back, obliques, and hips are other areas strengthened with Pilates exercises.
Intrigued? These are just a few benefits of Pilates; the list goes on! If you want to learn more about Pilates and if it’s right for you, contact us for a fitness consultation!