7 ways Pilates will boost your results

Whatever your fitness goals, here are 7 ways Pilates will boost your results…

The fashionable exercise, which consists of a series of movements to help stabilise and strengthen your core, is a favourite of stars like actress-turned-health guru Cameron Diaz for a very good reason. It gives results!

There are several different types of Pilates, and it can be conducted on a mat or a machine in your local studio, or even at home. It can vary in intensity levels, for example: classic Pilates aims to perform the basic movements that are great for beginners wanting to improve their technique, while contemporary Pilates develops from the stationary movements but with a modernised approach – giving you more freedom.

Sound interesting? Well it’s time to grab your gym mat, as after hearing our 7 ways Pilates can boost your results, you’ll be heading out the door – destined for your nearest studio!

It’s ab-mazing

Pilates will target your inner core like no other workout. Even though it conditions the whole body, the core is still the centre of attention – so be prepared to feel sore the morning after!

Tone, lengthen and strengthen muscles

Pilates isn’t just for dancers and Victoria’s Secret models – it’s available to absolutely anyone, especially those who aren’t too keen on the gym scene. Pilates requires full extension in the body through conditioning workouts, so expect no muscle group to be undertrained. This improves muscle elasticity and joint mobility, and over time you will notice your body looking leaner.

Improves your running

Runners listen up! Your posture is vital for your running technique, but did you know that after a few sessions of Pilates your hips can be stronger and more stretched? The core-focused movements will help to correct any imbalances and elongate muscles; improving flexibility to enhance your strides. Lynne Robinson, Pilates guru at Body Control Pilates and author of The Pilates Bible, says: ‘Pilates teaches you to be aware of your alignment – whether you are running or using a resistance training machine. Good alignment encourages better technique and ensures that your joints are correctly positioned, and less likely to suffer strain.’

Reduces risk of injury

As well as running, many athletes fit Pilates into their training regime as their go-to-class to help prevent the risk of injuries. Compared to other fitness classes that tend to focus on one muscle group, what makes Pilates an all-rounder is that it conditions your whole body, so your entire musculature is modified – keeping you at ease with daily sports activities and bettering your performance.

Boosts your breathing

Are you really getting enough air into your lungs? Many Pilates stretches are great for opening up the sides of your body – allowing your lungs to expand with each deep contraction. Pilates allows you to focus on your breathing technique, enhancing the compression of each breath to help stabilise your mind. And as Lynne says: ‘Efficient breathing can help improve any cardiovascular workout.’

Lessens back pain

Restoring your back to its proper alignment is one of the main ways to help treat lower back pain, and often an imbalance of muscles is what causes pressure on the back. Pilates can also help with this. ‘It improves your thoracic rotation,’ explains Lynne. ‘The precision of Pilates movements (such as Waist Twists and Arm Openings) encourages you to rotate from your mid back rather than your lower back. By extending these movements, it improves the abdominals and glutes. Therefore, tightness in the back will be decreased.’

Gives you better balance

Having good balance isn’t always about being able to stand on one leg. Sure it helps, but balance actually comes from having a strong center. ‘It’s not about strength, it’s about your core being fit for purpose,’ says Lynne. ‘A typical gym workout focuses on your superficial muscles, not your deep supporting muscles, and this creates imbalance within the body.’ That’s where Pilates comes in handy! It won’t send you doing backflips down the hall, but it will definitely improve your co-ordination to be a lot sharper!