Pilates may seem like some new wave type of exercise routine, but the original Pilates exercises (introduced by Joseph Pilates for dancers) surfaced in the early part of the twentieth century.
Index:
- What Is Pilates?
- The Benefits Of Pilates
- Core Strength
- Greater Lean Muscle Mass
- Building strength
- Movement
- Activity
- Attitude
- Mental Well-Being
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a set of exercises that can be done on a mat or by using specialised equipment. Pilates training and exercises focus on your core body strength, building lean muscle mass and muscle toning through movement and stretching. Pilates is best learned through a Pilates instructor, either as part of a class or during one to one tuition.
Learning the correct Pilates techniques for stretching and movement is vital, as failure to perform Pilates exercises properly can result in muscle strains and pulls. Pilates uses your bodies core strength, balance, awareness and flexibility to promote efficient movement and a supple and relaxed body through specific exercises. Pilates is very popular among dancers and professional athletes as it promotes physical and mental well-being, and can prolong their careers.
Related Story: Kickstart Your Weight Loss
The Benefits Of Pilates
- Core Strength
At the very heart of Pilates, you will find core strength. Your core muscles refer to the powerful internal muscles you have in your abdomen and back. A good solid core is essential to promote good posture, healthy movement and support the spine. Pilates can provide you with a solid core and more body strength, this in turn takes more pressure off the spine and reduces the amount of back pain you experience.
- Greater Lean Muscle Mass
As well as building body strength, Pilates will also build lean muscle mass. This will certainly help if your goal is to lose weight with Pilates. Muscle burns calories five times as fast as body fat, so you will burn a lot more calories all day long. Pilates will also tone your muscles, giving you a great appearance and bags of confidence.
- Building strength
To actually lose weight, you need the physical capability to do exercises. Many people who are overweight or very out of shape struggle to perform weight loss exercises. According to the Pilates Association of Canada, however, Pilates will help you to build needed strength, toning your core and increasing flexibility. In addition, the Association says that Pilates can help alleviate back pain, which can make exercising easier and more comfortable. Once you’ve begun to build muscle using Pilates, you’ll be able to perform more exercises with increased comfort and less difficulty.
- Movement
If you really want to lose weight, you’ve got to get up and get moving. Pilates gives you a gentle introduction to the world of movement. Also, the Association lists body balancing as one of the benefits of Pilates. By balancing your body, the Association argues that you’ll achieve the ability to move gracefully. This can make exercising and losing weight much easier for you. Instead of concentrating on balance, you’ll be concentrating on the cardio aerobic exercise that keeps you moving.
- Activity
While doing Pilates alone won’t make you drop a dress size in a week, it does contribute to the amount of time you spend moving in a day. And the more movement you do, the more calories you burn. Whether you’re just getting back into the world of exercise or you’re a fitness expert, Pilates can help you stay active, especially if you’re not looking for a high-impact workout.
- Attitude
According to Pilates inventor Joseph Pilates, the exercise method is designed to benefit not only your body, but also your spirit and mind. If you have a better attitude going into the process of losing weight, you’ll probably lose more weight in the end. A positive attitude and invigorated spirit can also increase your well-being.
Related Weight Loss Story: The Benefits Of Weight Loss Retreats
- A Greater Sense Of Mental Well-Being
Just like yoga, a healthy mind as well as body is promoted through Pilates. It is not an intense cardio workout (although intensity can be added), but it focuses on control, movement, concentration and breathing. Pilates can be very relaxing and is an excellent way to reduce stress. Pilates brings mind and body together as one, making it a very powerful and beneficial exercise routine.
So what are the benefits of Pilates for weight loss? You will have a greater lean muscle mass which will result in a much higher metabolism. Pilates will give you a more toned body, and a longer, lean and slimmer appearance. Combine Pilates with other aerobic activity for a great all round fitness routine. Go ahead and experience the wonderful world of Pilates.
Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/pilates.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Pilates
http://www.pilatesfoundation.com/pilates/the-history-of-pilates/
