If there were a music chart equivalent to fitness trends, we’re confident that Pilates workouts would be number one for (at least) 13 weeks in a row. This trending exercise has ranked in PureGym’s Top 20 Fitness Trends of 2024 three times (Wall Pilates takes the top spot, Mat Pilates ranks 14th and Reformer Pilates ranks 19th), and this At the time of writing, there are over 660,000 videos. #Pilates hashtag on TikTok. Clearly, we are obsessed with the nation. But despite its popularity, is Pilates good for you?
Obviously, what’s good and what’s not good for you when it comes to fitness is completely subjective. What makes one person strong and energetic can pose a serious risk of injury to another. But since this topic dominates so much discussion in the wellness space (when was the last time you scrolled through a social app without coming across a beautiful snap of a Pilates girl getting reps at her local studio? ), it is important to double check. Its credentials.
So we tapped the expertise of some pros to tell us the truth.What is Pilates? Really Good for you? Pilates Sculpt He There’s something for everyone, whether you plan to use a barre to enjoy the many benefits of Pilates or prefer a mat-based, equipment-free session. While you’re here, don’t miss our Beginner’s Guide to Pilates and the best 20-minute Pilates workouts and best 30-minute Pilates workouts chosen by experts.
Is Pilates good for you?We asked top experts
What are the benefits of doing Pilates regularly?
There’s a reason Pilates is so popular right now. It’s not just the photogenic studio’s fault. According to Pilates Reform instructor Iony Brown, this exercise promotes overall health by improving strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness, and reducing the risk of injury. “It’s great for mental health, relaxation, stress management, and reducing injury risk,” she says.
While the benefits of Pilates are thought to be wide-ranging, Brown says there are three main benefits of doing Pilates regularly.
1. Increases core strength
“Pilates focuses on strengthening your core muscles, including your deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles, and back muscles,” says Brown. Why is a strong core so important? As the center of your body, it provides stability and support for your spine, improving posture, balance, and aiding in general movement. “This reduces the risk of injury, reduces pain, and improves performance in daily activities and athletic activities such as running and weightlifting,” Brown says.
2. Improves flexibility and mobility
Pilates incorporates dynamic stretching and controlled movements that promote flexibility throughout the body. “Increased flexibility improves joint mobility, reduces muscle tension, and increases range of motion, which increases ease of movement and reduces stiffness,” says Brown.
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3. Promotes mental health
Pilates focuses on the mind-body connection, Brown said. Encourages conscious movement and conscious breathing. “Focusing on precise, controlled movements can help improve body awareness, concentration, and mindfulness during exercise,” she says. “This increased awareness leads to improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and relaxation, promoting overall mental health.”
So… Is Pilates good for you?
As we’ve already mentioned, what’s “good” when it comes to exercise is completely personal. However, that being said, there is significant evidence to suggest that Pilates may be a welcome addition to many training schedules. So what does the science say?
Research published in muscles, ligaments, tendons The Journal supports Brown’s list of benefits. They conclude that Pilates may help improve flexibility, abdominal and lumbopelvic stability, and muscle activity. Elsewhere, Heliyon’s research shows that Pilates may be beneficial for increasing muscle strength and improving balance compared to doing nothing. Everything looks fine so far, right?
That’s not the end. Research from the University of Limerick suggests Pilates may also improve mental health outcomes.
Overall, there seems to be a lot of people in favor of squeezing in a Pilates session from time to time.
“Another benefit of Pilates is its adaptability,” says Joanna Mayer, personal trainer and director of Nordic Balance. “It can be customized for individuals with different fitness levels and different health conditions, making it a versatile option for many people.” It’s also an exercise that can be performed more or less from anywhere. If you can’t make it to a class (or don’t feel like attending one, of course), you can roll out your mat at home. “This means you can fit exercise into your day, no matter how busy you are or if you can’t get to the gym,” Meyer says.
Finally, Pilates is a low-impact exercise style, which means it’s gentle on your joints.
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Is Pilates safe for everyone?
If you are injured or have a chronic illness, Pilates may not be recommended for you without the one-on-one support of an instructor. Similarly, if you are pregnant, you must get her A-OK clearance from your doctor or midwife before signing up for classes. That said, Pilates is suitable for all ages and experience levels.
“People with chronic pain or illness shouldn’t avoid Pilates altogether, but they should be supervised by a trained professional in a one-on-one setting,” says Brown. . “Instructors can provide exercises that are tailored to the individual and their needs.”
Can Pilates be your only exercise?
Whether Pilates should be your only activity really depends on your personal situation, goals, and preferences. “In my opinion, doing just Pilates isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because there are so many benefits you can get from it,” says Brown. “Many people notice a huge difference both physically and mentally compared to doing Pilates alone. Using the reformer also allows you to add resistance and strengthen your muscles. There are also plenty of exercises to get your heart rate up.”
The NHS recommends at least two strength training sessions per week. Pilates is definitely important, but if your goal is to build muscle and strength, you should consider weightlifting, especially since it’s the most efficient way to get there. that too.
Additionally, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is highly beneficial not only for your heart but for your overall health, so it’s important to engage in activities that get your heart rate up. “Due to Pilates’ emphasis on lateral breathing, those who take Pilates regularly should notice improvements in circulation and respiratory efficiency, but this alone is not enough for cardiovascular conditioning and heart health. They may not be able to provide stimulation,” Brown said.
She elaborates that activities that get your heart rate up and tax your cardiovascular system are important for maintaining cardiovascular health, reducing your risk of heart disease, and improving your endurance. Masu.
Finally, Brown emphasizes the importance of regular walking for overall health. She recommends aiming for 10,000 steps a day, or as many steps as she can realistically manage in a day.
Ultimately, if you can balance strength training with cardio training and get a decent daily step count, you’re a winner, no matter your specific exercise preferences.
Buy MC UK’s classic Pilates kit now:
Do you practice Pilates at home? Yogi Bare’s Pilates mat was designed specifically with this type of training in mind. It is thick and has cushioning properties, supporting all kinds of exercise.
rose bangle ankle weight
Want to increase the intensity of your Pilates session? Wear ankle weights.
If you’re looking to spice up your at-home Pilates workouts, a Pilates Sculpt Bar might be just the thing for you. It’s an affordable and easy-to-use tool that’s perfect for all ability levels.
