Prior to the Pilates wake-up call, many folks considered exercise a chore, something one did simply to lose weight before a big event or holiday, if at all. They didn’t see it as part of their daily lives or importantly, understand it’s critical role in longevity.
With a wealth of research backing its numerous mental and physical health benefits, Pilates is known to improve core strength, stability, flexibility, balance, posture, and even cognitive function.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a full-body, low-impact workout that promotes strength, stability, flexibility, posture, balance, body control, awareness and alignment, ultimately helping you move with greater ease and fluidity in everyday life.
Pilates exercises are often performed on a mat or on specialized Pilates apparatus, such as a Pilates Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair or High Chair all of which use springs to create resistance through the full range of motion without stressing the joints.
In Pilates, there’s a strong emphasis on core stability and strength, with the muscles in the center of the body, such as the abdominal muscles, low back muscles, pelvic floor and hip muscles, driving and supporting the movements in time with the breath. While Pilates is often associated with core strength, it also targets muscles in the arms, back and legs, activating both the large muscle movers and small stabilizer muscles.
Another unique aspect of the Pilates equipment is that it is spring-based resistance, offering constant tension changes, requiring the nervous system to fire at all times. This also provokes eccentric muscle contraction (engaging a muscle in its lengthened phase) which creates more endurance, reduces injury potential, and increases responsiveness in muscles.
“Eccentric muscle training is all the rage (particularly in weight training), but it has always been the central tenant of Pilates training. Most people don’t really understand how to train their muscles “eccentrically” which is where the beauty of Pilates apparatus comes in.” Heather says.
Who is Pilates for?
Pilates is a versatile form of fitness that can be adapted to benefit a wide range of people, from beginners to regular exercisers, elite athletes, rehab clients, children, seniors, pre- and post-natal clients, and people with disabilities.
With thousands of exercise modifications and equipment options to either increase or decrease the challenge, Pilates can be adjusted to suit each individual’s needs and abilities, delivering a safe and effective workout for everyone.
Applying an integrated, full-body approach to improving strength, flexibility, endurance and body conditioning, Pilates is the perfect complement to cardiovascular activity, strength training, rehabilitation or restorative exercise. For athletes, including dancers, golfers, runners, cyclists, football and hockey players, it’s often incorporated into their training to enhance mobility, agility, and overall performance.
“Like Pilates the man, our belief is that when you focus on activating The Powerhouse (abs, butt, thighs, back) to undertake simple, full-body movements (either on equipment or a mat) you not only strengthen and ‘lengthen’ but are less prone to injury, accidents, neck and back pain and stiffness overall.” Heather says.
Whether you prefer mat Pilates or the use of specialized equipment, this versatile practice offers a full-body workout suitable for everyone—from beginners to seasoned athletes.
It’s time to prioritize your well-being and make yourself a top priority in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Let Pilates be your gentle wake-up call, guiding you toward a healthier, more balanced version of yourself.
Ready to dive in a Pilates Class today?
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