How Pilates makes your life better
Pilates is the latest trend that many people use for a clear mind and a healthy body. But how can it help? Read on to find out!
If you've had a tough day at work or school, and even the thought of the gym is daunting, remember that there's a form of exercise that relaxes, calms, and also gets you in shape. Pilates is not just a new craze, as it really helps, and in the following ways:
- Say goodbye to stress!
The popularity of Pilates has grown tremendously in the past few years, and for good reason. “You’ll quickly feel and see the difference, which will motivate you tremendously,” says Luke Meessmann, owner and instructor at TenPilates studio. “The classes are tough – we work the whole body. Not only will you feel your muscles working, but you’ll also feel good afterwards, thanks to the happiness hormones. It doesn’t even take too much time – you can finish in an hour. Last but not least, it’s a great stress reliever. Come in the morning, or right after work, and you’re guaranteed to cheer up!”
- Strong, lean arms.
Celebrities constantly mention Pilates when asked about their amazing figures. Since stars usually have every minute filled and planned in advance, Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for them because, as we mentioned, it's not time-consuming at all. “It builds longer, leaner muscles – those arms you see on the red carpet? Yes, that’s also Pilates,” says Luke. “It increases core strength, flexibility, balance, and improves posture – you’ll feel taller and thinner because of it!”
- Just workout, no fuss.
If you don't feel like working out, you'll always find an excuse. That's why Pilates is good – you can tailor the workouts to suit you, or even do the exercises at home.
Sometimes it's worth visiting the studio to learn new exercises and for your instructor to see what shape you're in and if you're doing the exercises correctly. You might be doing everything, but incorrectly – in which case it will do more harm than good. Check that you're doing everything right, and let the results sweep you off your feet!
- Helps you stay in shape.
During an intense, dynamic class performed on a Reformer, you burn significantly more calories than during a more common mat Pilates class. “The best way to lose weight is to supplement Reformer exercises with cardio,” says Luke.
- Bad posture has no place here!
Pilates is praised by athletes and office workers alike because it can reverse the harmful effects of slouching by strengthening the muscles of the back, abdomen, neck, and hips.
“We always ask our students if there’s an area they’d like to focus on more,” says Luke. “But important areas like the back, hips, and shoulders are never left out. We activate these muscles with isolation exercises and gradually move towards more complex, dynamic, and functional exercises.”
All of this significantly improves dynamic stability – our ability to maintain ourselves in the correct (neutral) position for longer periods.
- Expecting a baby? No obstacle!
During pregnancy and after childbirth, many changes occur in our bodies. However, many women do not want to give up an active lifestyle even during pregnancy. Expectant mothers who exercise during pregnancy will experience less back and pelvic pain, and their labor will also be shorter. Sounds promising, doesn't it?
In addition, we can regain our pre-pregnancy body faster, strengthen our immune system, and stimulate blood circulation – all of which contribute to a smooth pregnancy with as few discomforts as possible. However, since in such cases the baby comes first and we cannot leave anything to chance, it is advisable to talk to our gynecologist before Pilates – it doesn't hurt to ask for a certificate from them that we can exercise, because your instructor will ask for it – and to inform our instructor that we are pregnant.
- No more back pain!
Pilates is an excellent rehabilitation method (which is no surprise, as it was developed for this purpose). Joseph Pilates dedicated his life to teaching people the Pilates method. He believed that poor posture and poor health go hand in hand. He thought that by using proper breathing techniques and keeping the spine in a neutral position, we could strengthen the deep abdominal muscles and the core, resulting in a straighter posture.
What are you waiting for? Go and sign up for a Pilates course today! We assure you, you won't regret it.