Be At Ease With Pilates
Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased the range of motion for the joints.
Pilates can be done as a stand-alone exercise if it is challenging enough in itself but many do pilates on their “day off” from a stringent workout routine.
What are the benefits of doing this workout?
It increases flexibility.
In this workout, you work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints.2 You won't find quite as much "pretzel logic" in Pilates (as you might in yoga), but having a body that can stretch and bend to meet the flow of life is a realistic goal.
2. It improves your posture.
Since Pilates is all about lengthening and connecting to your muscles, one of the main benefits of that is getting a better posture. You build awareness of how to find postural support with your muscles, not just to reverse slouching. An increased understanding and awareness of how you hold your body plays a big role in this as well. In Pilates you learn about correct positioning of the spine and how to support yourself with your legs, glutes, and core.
3. It helps you lose weight.
Women who did Pilates three times a week for eight weeks lost weight and inches in their waist and improved their BMI, in one small study from Pamukkale University in Turkey. Keep in mind, though, that study participants were overweight and sedentary to begin with—so if you’re already active, you might not notice a dip on the scale.
You can always supplement your learning once you get going. You can even practice Pilates at home. You don't need fancy equipment—just a mat and comfy clothes!