The Full-Body Benefits of Pilates

The man who invented and promoted this method of fitness, Joseph Pilates, once said, “Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.”

This well-known exercise has become a lifestyle for many people around the world, and for a good reason. It’s a safe, simple, and effective way to improve your core strength, flexibility, and breathing technique.

What’s more, if you’re recovering from an injury, expecting a baby, or suffering from chronic joint pain then Pilates may just be the perfect form of exercise for you.

Read on to learn about differences between regular Pilates and clinical Pilates, and how they can benefit your overall health.

The Benefits of Clinical Pilates

1. Pilates increases your core strength.

Whether you’re a busy bee, or you spend your day at the office sitting at a computer, it can take its toll on your lower back, posture, and abdomen muscles. Clinical Pilates strengthens your core while being gentle on your joints. The muscles of the core include major muscles that move, support, and stabilize your spine. By working on the muscles in your lower back, pelvis, hips, and abdomen leads to better stability and balance.

2. Pilates is an effective way to recover from injuries.

If you have ever suffered from chronic neck or back pain or suffered an injury, you probably know that getting back in shape can be challenging. This is why clinical Pilates is an ideal form of exercise for you. Look for a licensed physical therapist that will make a Pilates-based rehabilitation part of your physical therapy plan. By doing this, you’ll get clued up about which exercises are good for you and which you need to avoid. It’s a tailored program made to cater to your needs.

3. Pilates strengthens your pelvic muscles.

Clinical Pilates is great for women who are about to have a baby. This is due to the fact that this form of exercise targets pelvic muscles. Yes, they need a fitness workout, too. Strengthening your pelvic floor will also prevent injury to it. The biggest advantage of prenatal clinical Pilates is that it’s designed to keep both the mother and the baby safe. The program consists of exercises that will strengthen the mother and therefore make the childbirth easier.

Other Benefits of Pilates

1. Pilates is easy on your joints.

One of the many great things about Pilates is that it’s great for people of any age. Since the movements are slow and controlled, there’s no impact on your knees and joints. This is especially important for those who can’t engage in high-impact sports. If you still have some doubts, remember that Pilates is so safe that it’s used in rehabilitation after injuries.

2. Pilates boosts your brain activity.

Studies have shown that Pilates directly influences many cognitive functions of your brain. It also increases your ability to multitask since during the exercise, you focus on stretching, balancing, and proper breathing. Paying attention to all these aspects at once provides a great exercise for your brain cells as well. What’s more, Pilates gets your circulation moving, activates your spine and muscles, and increases the levels of dopamine, also known as a feel-good hormone.

3. Pilates improves your overall health.

We’re all familiar with the benefits of physical exercise. It has a huge effect not only on our physical appearance but on our mood too. When we’re physically active, we feel better, we have more energy to tackle everyday tasks, and we sleep better. It boosts our brainpower and teaches us self-control. What makes Pilates stand out from other types of fitness exercise is the fact that it has a low risk of injury. It reduces stress and it’s great for everyone, no matter what age you are. It’s easy for beginners, but it is also challenging for those on an advanced level.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for a tailored-made program to care for your needs, or simply want to try something new, Pilates is a fantastic way to integrate your body and mind. Hopefully, these benefits will spark your interest, and inspire you to include this method of exercise into your self-care routine. It will not only help you recover from injuries, but it will also strengthen your muscles, increase your flexibility, and boost your energy levels.

About Shannon Clark

Shannon holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer with over 10 years of industry experience.