You already know that spending 1-3 hours a week in the Pilates studio will give you a flat and toned stomach and that you'll be fitter and more flexible. You've also figured out that there's nothing better than a good workout followed by a big gossip with your gym mates (but definitely not in class - you may have had to learn that the hard way). You've almost lulled yourself into believing that you've got the Pilates all figured out and that nothing will surprise you anymore.
Read on to learn about three benefits of Pilates that you've experienced but never would have associated with Pilates.
- Stress relief.
It only takes one Pilates class to make even the most uninitiated realise that successfully performing the exercises requires a good dose of concentration. The mind-body connection in Pilates is not just a buzzword, it's a necessity. You need to know exactly how and where your body is positioned and how your head, hips, shoulders and chest move. That's the only way you can effectively move your core (in Pilates terms, your „power centre”). If you don't concentrate, it's as if you're not there, because you'll get little benefit from Pilates.
How many times have you arrived at your class feeling nervous and annoyed, only to be replaced after 55 minutes of training? You clear your head for an hour, then after pilates everything falls back into place and you realise there's really nothing to be nervous about. It's like unpacking your messy wardrobe and then putting everything back in its place, neatly folded and organised. Where there was chaos, there will be order.
- Less headaches.
Which came first: the neck pain or the headache? It doesn't matter, if it hurts, you have to relieve it. It is also possible that the headache is coming from the neck. This is what doctors call a cervicogenic headache. It is caused by poor posture - a lot of slouching causes the muscles in the neck and shoulders to tighten and stiffen. As a result, the bony particle at the end (or the beginning?) of the spine also tightens. Hence this type of headache.
Pilates relaxes these hard-working muscles and improves posture. The end result? Stronger muscles, correct posture, neck relief and fewer headaches! If you're sceptical, you could say you can achieve this with a painkiller. But it's much better to address the cause than to alleviate the symptoms. Ask yourself this question - if you notice that the whole kitchen is smoking because you burnt your lunch, what is the first thing you do? Do you knock the pot off the fire or open the window?
- Stronger orgasms.
The stronger the pelvic floor, the more intense the orgasm. Pilates works the deep seated abdominal muscles, which stimulates blood flow to the pelvic cavity. And when the pelvic cavity is properly supplied with oxygen and blood, it becomes more sensitive.
Pilates also teaches you how to treat your body and increases flexibility. I'm sure I don't need to explain why in detail, but if you like to experiment in the bedroom, a good dose of flexibility won't hurt.
To really feel good about yourself, you also need to be confident and shed all your inhibitions. This can be achieved through Pilates! Not just because it makes you slimmer, because it's not the only thing that makes you attractive and confident. You'll feel better about yourself because you're taking care of yourself and because you're constantly improving.
Yes, it's all thanks to Pilates!