Pilates is a method of physical fitness developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. He believed physical and mental health were interrelated, so he designed his exercises to improve both. The Pilates method emphasizes proper breathing, alignment of the spine, and core strength. It is often used to improve posture, relieve pain, and increase flexibility.
This type of workout can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. It is often recommended as a complementary exercise routine for those looking to improve their overall health, reduce stress, and increase flexibility and range of motion. With these advantages, it’s no wonder many hopped in on the trend of doing this exercise.
There are many benefits to be gained from regular Pilates sessions, including:
Improve Your Mental Health
One of the biggest benefits of doing Pilates is how it affects a person’s mental health. Mental health should be prioritized because whatever goes into your mind will be reflected through your actions. Pilates could help improve a person’s mental health and help release the stress a person has been carrying for a long time.
With the right Pilates instructor, you could be provided with the assistance you need, prevent injuries, and help you relax your body and mind. Pilates is not only about body stretches. It also includes meditating and proper breathing exercises, which allow a person to have a calmer mind and make logical decisions.
This is one reason many people now consider having a career as a Pilates instructor. Instructors don’t only teach, but it also benefits them financially and emotionally. If you’re one of these individuals considering spreading the benefits of Pilates, you would need to undergo Pilates Instructor Training to assist and educate your future clients better.
Helps Improve Body Posture
As a person matures, muscle fatigue gets hard to prevent because of poor core strength. Moreover, people tend to slouch whenever fatigue hits, which could cause back and joint pain. Luckily, having poor posture could be improved and corrected with Pilates. If you stop your poor habits of slouching, it would be more effective through stretching exercises.
It’s an excellent way to work on spinal alignment, especially for people who have scoliosis. Also, postural correction can help a person maintain a good body balance since a good posture reflects having a strong core. Not to mention, it’s beneficial for the spinal bones’ mobility, especially for the elders.
Help Boost Energy Levels
Some people say that after doing Pilates, they felt it boosted their energies. Doing it could help increase energy levels as Pilates helps a person focus on his breathing and stimulate the feel-good hormones in the body. As you feel relaxed while doing Pilates, you will feel less stressed and have more energy to do your tasks well.
Also, Pilates is beneficial in achieving better blood circulation since it is a low-impact exercise. In addition, it wouldn’t make you feel tired, so you wouldn’t feel tired the next day after doing some routines. Instead, you’ll feel more strengthened and energized.
Reduces Occurrence of Menstrual Pain
Many women around the globe experience dysmenorrhea during their periods. Dysmenorrhea is a condition where women experience cramping pains in their lower abdomen. Some experience irritability and mood swings, affecting their productivity throughout the day.
If you struggle with severe dysmenorrhea, you should consult your doctor first to run some tests. If the cause is not physiological, you may try Pilates, which may help reduce the menstrual pain you experience before and after your period.
As you stretch, you’ll realize that Pilates is a workout that moves your whole body. Thus, it may help your blood flow and the muscles in your body to relax. Also, it is recommended and helpful to avoid intense workouts, and sticking to light exercises can help ease symptoms of menstrual pain.
Anyone Can Do It
Pilates is an exercise that can be done by anyone, even the elderly. Pilates exercises could be tailored depending on a person’s needs. For instance, you need help easing pain in your body, aligning your spinal vertebra, or you need to have a few stretches.
Thus, Pilates is safe for everyone since it is not an intense routine and promotes a good body and mind connection. There are even Pilates exercises designed for pregnant women to help alleviate the backaches and increase their flexibility which will also be beneficial, especially once they start labor.
Final Thoughts
Doing Pilates could help you strengthen your muscles without necessarily creating a bulky appearance. Your core strength also improves as your abdominal muscles would be strengthened if you do Pilates consistently, which helps maintain proper balance.
If you’re new to Pilates, it’s important to find a class or instructor that is certified and experienced in teaching the technique.
