So you don’t think Pilates is for you? We think it is!
Here’s 3 reasons to try it out.
We love our clients.
We know they’re committed to the benefits of a regular Pilates workout and the results they get from staying Pilates focused.
And, they’re always enthusiastic about promoting Pilates and the value it brings to their overall wellbeing in order to get friends and family into the studio.
But sometimes, people need more than just a little nudge.
Whether they took a Pilates session on vacation last winter that left them wondering what all the fuss was about or joined a Reformer class and felt intimidated and confused by the equipment and movements, often all it takes is a clear explanation of why Pilates is such a beneficial workout – when it’s done properly.
If you’re looking to convince someone why Pilates is amazing and how it can improve so many aspects of their physical and mental well being, then read on!
(And feel free to pass this on to those who are still a little Pilates shy but want to get in on the countless benefits it will offer them)
1. Pilates equipment is designed to strengthen postural muscles.
Unlike weight machines or traditional gym equipment, Pilates equipment is designed with springs.
During an exercise, as the spring tension increases, prime movers of the body are recruited; this develops strength, joint stability and proper range of motion.
But what makes Pilates unique is that when the spring tension decreases, the deeper core stabilizers are recruited to control the movement of the equipment and maintain balance.
Those core stabilizing muscles are also our postural muscles; and when we’re in optimal alignment, they respond more efficiently to the challenge of staying engaged through the exercise and helping maintain balance.
They need to be active and engaged for optimal posture alignment so that the equipment is moved with ease, continuity and consistency.
(this is what makes Pilates look effortless, but definitely not feel effortless)
Takeaway? Doing Pilates means having a better posture. This will improve balance, strengthen postural muscles and create a more efficient use of muscle engagement.
2. Pilates exercises will help you find your movement potential.
Pilates exercises always have a place to go.
This means that whatever you’re doing in your first, second or third session, you will probably be doing in your 200th session.
But with a different spring tension, breath pattern, range of motion, rhythm, emphasis or even on a different piece of equipment.
Pilates workouts are unique because they progress by building on movement patterns and exercise sequences that you’ve learned in previous sessions.
And we’ve seen firsthand how this will improve both movement ability AND movement confidence.
A full Pilates workout will move you through different planes of movement and have a variety of exercises that will appropriately challenge balance, endurance, coordination, proprioception, strength, stability and mobility – whew!
An exhaustive list but we guarantee that it’s all in a Pilates workout!
And this will have you experiencing your full movement potential; regardless of your limitations and movement experience.
Takeaway? Your coordination and endurance will improve. And so will your focus, mental stamina and movement confidence.
3. Fully certified Pilates instructors really know their stuff.
Working with a fully certified Pilates instructor gives you the opportunity to work through a customized program that is accessible and progressive for you.
Of course, focusing on you and only you is always best in a private training session.
But customization and accessibility based on your needs is also part of semi-private and small group (3-4 people) sessions.
How? Because there are so, so many ways to modify, adapt, regress and progress a particular Pilates exercise or movement sequence.
If an exercise can’t be accessed in its traditional form, a knowledgeable Pilates instructor will know how to change it by switching up the equipment settings, changing the tension, shortening the lever or reducing the range.
All while keeping the workout flowing.
And whether your fitness goal is as focused as creating more hip mobility for an upcoming walking excursion or marathon or strengthening your core muscles after pregnancy or improving shoulder strength and movement for your golf swing or is just about better posture, greater mobility and overall strength, adding Pilates into your fitness regime is key.
Why? Because your Pilates workout will progress, pivot and adapt for your particular goals and still leave you feeling stronger and more confident in your movement.
Takeaway? Customized Pilates workouts with fully certified Pilates instructors will use all of the Pilates equipment creating full body, functional workouts.
This variety and challenge creates:
- Better movement health
- Stronger, balanced muscles
- A healthier posture
- An efficient use of energy and breath
- A greater sense of well being
Ready to get started?