Is Pilates An Effective Workout?

Are you looking to develop a long, lean muscle like a dancer? Do you need a gentle, low-impact exercise program that develops strong core muscles helps with losing weight and improves posture? The Pilates method may be the workout you have been looking for. The first Pilates studio was opened in the 1920s in New York by Joseph Pilates, and quickly became a preferred conditioning method for dancers in the New York City Ballet. Pilates mat workouts can be done nearly anywhere with no equipment and is largely done on the floor, alleviating stress on the joints. But don't be fooled. Despite the fact many Pilates exercises are performed lying on the mat, you will still get your heart rate up and feel the burn.

Builds Lean Muscle

Pilates builds lean muscle by incorporating stretching and flexibility with body weight resistance in each move. Pilates practice is about controlling the muscles as opposed to short bursts of energy output. Fewer repetitions with heavier weights, as are often used in traditional weight training, are more likely to build bulkier muscles. Pilates uses long, controlled motions open the spine and lengthen the body. Like yoga, Pilates uses breathing to set the rhythm for the movements. The breathing allows you to push your muscles further. Muscular imbalance is a leading cause of orthopedic injury. Working the entire body from head to toe decreases the risk of injury. Consistent Pilates practice overtime will sculpt strong, balanced muscles.

Tones The Body

Pilates is a workout that effectively tones the body, strengthens the core, and burns fat. Each exercise incorporates more than one muscle group allowing you to accomplish more in less time. Whether focusing on the upper body, lower body, or the abdominal area, all Pilates exercises require the engagement of core muscles. With traditional weight training, most programs have you focus on one area per workout, upper body one day, lower body the next abs and back on day three. By working several muscle groups at once, you work on toning the whole body each time you engage in Pilates practice.

Improves Posture

One of the unique features of Pilates practice is the focus on engaging the core muscles with every exercise performed. Pilates exercises do not just work the surface 'six-pack' abdominal muscles, but the deeper transverse abdominis as well. A strong transverse abdominis improves posture by supporting the lower back and the spinal column. Poor posture can cause problems for your neck, back, shoulders, and hips and can cause pain throughout the body. More and more in our daily lives, we are sitting at computers, commuting, or slumping on the couch. Pilates strengthens the postural muscles, opens the chest and collarbone area creating improved posture.

Weight Loss

Without running, jumping, or pounding your joints, a consistent Pilates regimen is an effective practice for weight loss. Because Pilates exercises use multiple muscle groups at once calorie burning is increased. Even though most Pilates moves happen sitting or lying on a mat, the exercises are still intense enough to get your heart rate up in the fat burning zone. The practiced breathing and increased blood circulation both give you energy so you can be more active throughout the day. Pilates offers a perfect way for anyone looking for low-impact weight loss to meet their goals without pain or discomfort.

A Low-Impact Exercise

Most Pilates exercises are performed on a mat while sitting or lying on the floor. This provides a low-impact exercise program that puts little stress on your joints. Most cardiovascular exercises pound joints throughout the body through running or jumping. Weightlifting moves such squats or shoulder presses can also be hard on joints or cause joint pain. Pilates mat training offers a way to get a powerful full body workout while supported fully by the floor. For anyone concerned about putting excess stress on any joints try a Pilates workout for maximum effectiveness with low-impact exercises.

The founder of the Pilates method, Joseph Pilates said: “In ten sessions you’ll feel the difference, in twenty sessions you’ll see a difference, and in thirty sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” Pilates is an ideal workout for anyone looking to build muscle, increase energy and flexibility, and lose weight without doing high-impact exercises. It's a great choice and a stand-alone practice or combined with other cardio for a well-rounded exercise program.