Benefits of Pilates

5 Reasons Why You May Want To Add Pilates To Your Exercise Regime 

Want a strong, toned, and functional core? Pilates is a great way to start. This low-impact workout combines flexibility, strength, and endurance in exercises that can be done either on a mat or using a reformer in class. No matter what kind of Pilates you’re doing, core strength is the main focus; you’ll flow in and out of poses with a yoga-like emphasis on breath.

In this article, we explore 5 benefits and reasons why you might want to include Pilates in your exercise regime

Mind-Body Connection

Few people realise how big a role breathing plays in translating the energy from exercise into positive mental wellness. In Pilates, you focus on breathing patterns, placement of the spine and pelvis, along with coordination of movements. This combination truly aligns your body with your mind, allowing you to reap benefits far beyond just becoming stronger.

This also means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses, thereby decreasing stress. During Pilates exercises, you must listen to and process with your mind the instructions and cues given and then facilitate those into body movement – learning to be more present and to be more mindful in your practice.

Build Core Strength 

Almost every single movement in Pilates is designed to utilise your core abdominal muscles. Having a solid core is essential to bring your spine into a neutral position. The better alignment in your back will help prevent back pain, relieve stress, and assist in breathing. 

With Great Strength Comes Great Flexibility

Similarly to Yoga, Pilates helps build strength while increasing flexibility. Flexibility is often sacrificed in strength-building workouts, but in Pilates, you get the best of both worlds. Pilates movements will improve elasticity in your muscles and increase the mobility of your joints, all while making you stronger. This brings a healthy overall balance to your body which has some unexpected benefits. 

Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation

In Pilates, we work to lengthen strong, short muscles and build long, weak muscles. Obtaining better balance in the body helps a great deal in the prevention of injuries in your day-to-day life. Pilates can be tailored to your specific injury by utilizing many of the available modifications. This allows you to really focus on problem areas and slowly work to regain strength and flexibility in the affected areas.

Low Impact & Challenging

Unlike most conventional workouts Pilates is completely safe for the body. Because most movements are performed lying down or sitting, it ends up being much more gentle on your muscles and joints. However, it can still be extremely challenging because it can target specific muscles that we do not often use throughout the course of our daily lives.

Looking to begin your Pilates journey with Breathe Pilates? Here, we have over 100 Pilates, GYROTONIC and Mobility classes to choose from per week across 4 studios in Singapore. To learn more, send us an email on info@breathepilates.com.sg