If you’ve been looking for a new workout routine that can give you a good balance of flexibility, strength, muscle tone and help for a few aches and pains, pilates may be the answer.
According to Mayo Clinic, Pilates is a form of exercise and body conditioning which was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, mostly as a method of injury recovery for dancers.
The National Library of Medicine conducted a study which showcases that pilates improves quality of life by having a positive effect on depression and pain, most notably decreasing back pain among many others.
Health benefits of Pilates:
It decreases back pain
According to Healthline, pilates can decrease back pain as it targets the deeper abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor to both contract and release — a true sign of strength. These muscles work like a brace to lift and support the organs and protect and stabilise the back.
Core strength
Pilates focuses on building core strength. The core is the centre of the body from which all movement stems.
Pilates helps by improving the core strength and function.
It decreases stress
The inward focus and use of breath from Pilates can down-regulate the nervous system. This, in turn, can take you out of fight-or-flight mode, lower cortisol, and decrease stress over time.
It reduces menstrual pain
Dysmenorrhea is the condition of painful menstrual periods, according to research Pilates can help reduce menstrual pain.
It increases energy
According to Healthline Pilates improves cardiorespiratory capacity when a focus is placed on breathing. This stimulates feel-good hormones, oxygen flow, and blood circulation.
Pilates achieves all of this and, due to its low impact nature, rarely leaves you feeling fatigued. Instead, it gives you a boost of energy.
Also see: Benefits of doing plank exercises daily
