Pilates, once a well-kept secret among dancers and athletes, saw a surge in popularity after Lori Harvey showcased her sculpted abs in a video, which she credited to the exercise. It quickly gained momentum, with countless women swearing by this exercise and praising its health benefits. Now, Pilates has become a must-try for anyone looking to enhance their fitness routine.
What’s all the rave about Pilates?
Originally conceived by Joseph Pilates as a rehabilitative method, this exercise focuses on core strengthening, stability and mobility, body awareness and coordination and breath control. Pilates believed the core was the body’s “powerhouse,” and strengthening it was vital for overall fitness, so he made centring, which involves engaging, controlling, and strengthening the core, a fundamental principle.
Kelvin Agboso, a Pilates expert, describes it as a series of total-body exercises that help to engage all areas of your core muscles. These exercises improve your day-to-day activities like picking up your groceries, going down to lace your shoes, running around with your child, jumping on or off a platform, going up the stairs and more!
Pilates also offers comprehensive rehabilitation for injured shoulder, back, hip, knees, ankle, and muscle imbalance injuries. It strengthens and aligns the body, reducing the risk of future imbalances caused by poor posture and everyday activities.
Speaking on the health benefits, Kelvin says, “Our bodies need movement to take on the degenerative effect of aging. It focuses more on the intrinsic or deep muscles. It helps your body combat or recover quickly from injuries.” Take sitting down, for example; when you’re reclined against the back of a chair, your posture has shrunk, applying pressure to your lower back. The core strengthening exercises this offers can help relieve that pressure over time.
Who can practice Pilates, and how intense does it get?
Pilates does not have gender or age limitations. Kelvin believes, “As long as you are old enough to understand what movement is, you are ready to start.” If you’re concerned about not having any experience with gyming, don’t worry. It caters to everyone, from beginners to advanced. You can perform exercises using your body weight or with the help of various equipment.
If you’re looking to exercise without getting the “bulk look,” pilates is for you. It focuses on muscle tone, serving as a strong foundation, improving stability and endurance in your muscle-building activities at the gym, and preventing injury.
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However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t get intense. Pilates is known to humble even the most committed gym-goers with simple exercises that catch you off guard, regardless of how fit you are. It is just as hard and, in most cases, even harder than regular fitness activities. And there are various modifications for anyone.
What you stand to gain from practising Pilates
Soothes the body & mind
Pilates works wonders for boosting your sense of body awareness and coordination by engaging different body parts in movement. The mindful breathing and concentration required during Pilates exercises help reduce stress and promote mental clarity. This enhances your physical abilities and helps you stay calm and mindful, giving a state of mind to better approach situations.
Great relief for menstrual pain
Research has shown that this exercise can be a game-changer when it comes to easing menstrual pain. Dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe all kinds of painful menstrual periods, and if you’re someone who’s experienced it, you know how dreadful it can be.
The breathing techniques in Pilates can also promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can further help in managing menstrual pain. So, incorporating Pilates into your routine can be a beneficial way to cope with menstrual discomfort.
Boosts your ‘sexy time’
This exercise can spice up your time between the sheets in more ways than one. It amps your endurance, strength, and flexibility for those adventurous moments and is a secret weapon for boosting pelvic floor strength. And we all know a strong pelvic floor can lead to some extra fun and pleasure in the bedroom.
Supports women during pregnancy
This exercise can also be a pregnant woman’s best friend. It supports your changing body, taking the pressure off that growing baby by targeting those key muscles in your butt, core, and pelvic floor. Plus, specific prenatal Pilates moves can be a game-changer for dealing with diastasis recti (the separation of the abdominals, common with pregnancy) and its recovery postpartum. Prenatal Pilates is like a superpower for getting you mentally and physically ready for the big day of labour and birth! However, like other exercises, it is recommended that pilates be pursued under the guidance of a specialised pilates instructor during pregnancy.
Pilates has tremendous benefits and is suitable for everyone regardless of fitness level, age, size, or other factors. Whether you’re seeking to feel better, tone up, build muscle mass and bone density, or cross-train, this exercise can positively affect your quality of life.
