Pilates is ideal for all people regardless of their shape, size, or fitness level. And if correctly performed, Pilates is not very complicated but is still challenging. Below are twelve benefits that you can gain from practicing Pilates.
Benefit #1: The Density Of Your Bones Are Improved Through Pilates Training
Building the density of your bones is usually achieved through strength training. However, improvement of bone density can also be achieved through Pilates. Both muscle and bone can be built up through weight-bearing training and resistance exercises. Resistance exercises consist of the muscle creating tension on the bone by pulling on it. Through this, the bone is fortified. In Pilates training, Pilates rings, and reformer springs provide resistance.
Benefit #2: Calories Are Effectively Burned Through Pilates Training
Although Pilates training will not burn as many calories as exercises such as running, it still burns a lot of calories. A research study from the IDEA Health and Fitness Association states four calories are burned per minute (or two hundred forty calories per hour) by participating in a beginner’s class in Pilates. The study also indicates that six calories are burned per minute (or three hundred sixty calories per hour) by participating in an intermediate course in Pilates. “Yet, Pilates may not be as effective for weight loss as other cardio exercises, such as running or swimming. That’s because you’ll burn fewer calories in traditional mat Pilates classes than if you did other cardio exercises,” Daniel Bubnis, MS says.
Benefit #3: Back Pain Can Be Eased By Pilates Training
A research study published in 2006 by the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy states that individuals who suffered from pain in their lower back experienced a significant amount of relief from pain after they underwent and maintained a Pilates training program for twelve months. The core is strengthened by Pilates training. This strengthening of the core provides support to the back. Proper alignment is also learned in Pilates training. Although Corey D. Fogleman, MD says that, “It is unclear whether a Pilates regimen is superior to other exercise plans for the treatment of low back pain.”
Benefit #4: The Core Is Strengthened By Pilates Training
The central aspect of all Pilates classes is working on the core. Pilates works out the whole body. However, Pilates primarily concentrates on the muscles of the hips and the trunk. The muscles of the hips and the trunk are referred to as the Pilates powerhouse. The abdominal muscles are strengthened during Pilates training. This includes the obliques. And Pilates strengthens the abdominal muscles better than the usual crunches. In every Pilates exercise, the muscles of the abdomen have to be contracted efficiently. “The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor,” Richard N. Fogoros, MD explains. He adds, “When the core is strong, the frame of the body is supported.”
Benefit #5: Injury Can Be Prevented Through Pilates Training
Flexibility is improved through Pilates training. Balance is also enhanced through Pilates training. And strength is increased through Pilates training. All of these minimizes the likelihood of injury. For example, increasing the flexibility of the hamstring by ten degrees reduces the possibility of you hurting your back whenever you bend down to pick something up from the ground. An increase in strength produces an improvement in the dynamic control of body movement, and this reduces the likelihood of injury. Balance is improved through unilateral Pilates exercises, and this minimizes the possibility of falls. Unilateral Pilates exercises are exercises that are either one-sided or one-legged.
Pilates is one type of exercise that you may assume is easy, but when you perform it – what the heck! It’s challenging to execute. You will feel your stomach crunching, and yes, your whole body will benefit from it. Speaking of benefits, we have discussed five in this article. Next week, more benefits of Pilates training will be revealed.