Pilates workout in itself is more than just a workout. The gym freaks and exercise lovers will agree with the same and swear by it. Apart from toning your body, there are numerous other health benefits of pilates that are not known by many.
The plus point of Pilates is that unlike any other exercise it does not focus on just one body part but affects the whole body. It promotes strength and balanced muscle development and also increases flexibility especially in the joints. Since it is a low-intensity workout as compared to the cardio, Pilates is great for the beginners or the ones who have recovered from an injury recently.
Joseph Pilates, the inventor of this amazing workout said, “The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”
Let’s have a look at some of the great benefits of Pilates:
1. Deeper Muscle Activation – Benefits Of Pilates
Our core consists of 29 muscles. So when we are doing this exercise, our deep core activates and sends an impulse to our nervous system and cleanses it. A good Pilates session helps in keeping our nervous system healthy which ensures a better communication between your brain & other parts of the body.
2. Core Strength – Benefits Of Pilates
Although Pilates strengthens the whole body, it focusses more on the core muscles. Our core muscles are responsible for smooth movement of every body part without which we cannot function effectively. This is one of the reasons why every athlete has Pilates included in their workout regimen to build their core strength. The other exercises which can build your core strength are planks, push-ups, sit-ups and crunches.
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3. Increases Co-ordination
Co-ordination between mind & body is very important for everyone. With the growing age, the coordination decreases from the body. There are more instances of people tripping while walking and complain about reduced motor function. A reduced motor function is alarming as it will disturb you in doing your daily activities. Pilates helps in increasing the coordination as it helps in strengthening the connection between the eyes, brain, and the body.
Like Yoga, Pilates involves stretching muscles which is why it helps in relieving back & neck pain. It also helps in maintaining a good posture.
Pilates also improves sleep and lowers the stress levels and makes you calmer. If you are trying to lose weight, you should combine Pilates with a diet recommended by a dietician and follow it up with some other cardio such as cycling, brisk walking, running, or swimming. Pilates also takes care of your everyday body cramps in your back and knees.
Experts claim that Pilates also increases one’s ability to recognize our physical limits which is used to warn us while doing an intense workout, to prevent us from any injury. Pilates helps in fighting stress hormones as it relieves the built-up tension in muscles.
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In a nutshell, Pilates has something beneficial for each one of us. And it does not require any equipment, so grab your mat and cleanse your mind & body!