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Les Mills Pilates is back on the timetable from 22 July. Read on for all you need to know about pilates from Emma Hogan below.
Unlike many fads that peak and then fall away, Pilates is a fitness trend that’s here to stay. What makes Pilates so popular is its broad appeal, myriad benefits, and the Pilates-based training innovations currently gaining momentum. You don’t need a fancy Pilates studio to enjoy the benefits. Here’s where you can find the best Pilates fit for your body.
WHAT EXACTLY IS PILATES?
Pilates involves a collection of low-impact exercises that coordinate movement and breath. The focus is on building strength and mobility, improving postural alignment and strengthening core stabilizing muscles.
The concept was born in the 1920s when Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, started using low-impact exercises to finely-tune muscle balance and neuromuscular patterns and create optimal strength. While at first Pilates was used for rehabilitation purposes, it soon became popular with dancers and gymnasts. In the late 1990s, it hit the spotlight when celebs like Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston were spotted heading to Pilates studios daily.
Since then, Pilates’ popularity has continued to flourish and this exercise trend favored by models and celebs has continually reinvented itself. Hot Pilates, HIIT Pilates, reformer Pilates, Stott Pilates, Winsor Pilates, Clinical Pilates, Classical Pilates … the list goes on. Whatever your exercise personality, there’s a Pilates workout to suit.
HOW YOUR BODY BENEFITS FROM PILATES
On top of being an incredible way to build core strength, scientific studies show Pilates can do everything from improve sleep and better your sex life to lift your cognitive function and boost immunity.
SIX OF OUR FAVORITE SCIENCE-BACKED WAYS PILATES BENEFITS YOUR BODY
- Pilates improves balance and body awareness. The focus on mindful movement and breath enhances proprioception and heightens awareness of how your body moves. This can prevent injuries and falls and is particularly important as we age.
- Pilates increases mobility as you use slow and controlled stretching movements to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles at the same time. While improved flexibility doesn't necessarily provide any functional benefit, increased mobility is valuable as it improves the movement of your joints.
- Pilates reduces stress and boosts your mood, energy and motivation. During Pilates, your nervous system responds to the focus on breathwork by lowering cortisol levels, which will lower stress over time. And, like with any exercise, the increased oxygen flow and blood circulation stimulate feel-good endorphins and give you a boost of energy. A study of students showed Pilates can boost motivation, achievement and cognitive function.
- Pilates perks up your posture by strengthening postural muscles and bringing attention to your body alignment. With improved posture, you reduce the risks of headaches, as well as shoulder and back pain.
- Pilates reduces injury risk by using strength-building exercises to increase the support and stability of your joints as they move. This makes it particularly beneficial for sportspeople and exercisers.
- Pilates eases lower back pain. Physical activity is considered the magic lotion for back pain, and as Pilates engages the deep core and pelvic floor muscles, it’s a powerful way to build strength and stabilize the back.