Let me tell you straight up that I believe PPilates to be underrated. If you don’t agree, I can change your mind. What other exercises can you do in one session, such as stretch, bend, and flex? For me, Pilates represents a great time.
Pilates is not only great for your body, but it also benefits the mind and the soul. After every session, I felt lighter. It helps me start the day with a calmer mind or to rid myself of stress. It gives me calmness, which I don’t get from other exercises.
It’s not that I don’t love weightlifting, but I have noticed an increase in strength and mobility since I started doing Pilates regularly. I am also more motivated to work out. It has actually helped me with my lifts.
Since starting Pilates, I have experienced benefits that far exceeded my expectations. I can say with confidence that it has changed my life. If that’s still not enough for you to be convinced, keep reading.
What is Pilates, and what are the benefits?
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on balancing strength and flexibility. The goal of this exercise is to improve posture and your ability to move. This improves your fitness and quality of life.
You must know that core strength is not just about your abdominal muscles. Pilates is a full-body workout that works your quads, chest, shoulders, and posterior chain muscles.
What is the difference between mat Pilates versus reformer Pilates?
The fact that I switched between the mat and reformer is one of the many reasons why I love Pilates. While they may appear to be very different, these activities have many similarities. The equipment used is the main difference.
Reformer Pilates is also a bit more intense for me. When I don’t want to lift heavy weights but still want to sweat, I use reformer pilates. The springs on the reformer add an extra level of intensity that allows you to feel the burn, just like you would during a strength session. But without putting too much strain on your joints and muscles. Win-win!
Network, on the other hand, is great for working with body weight and exercising muscle control. It’s wild how much progress I have made with just a few mat sessions. I used to be terrible at planking and push-ups.
What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?
Here’s another common myth that I will bust. This myth can be summarized quickly. Yes, yoga and Pilates have similarities. They are not the same. Pilates is more focused on strength, while yoga is more flexible.
Pilates may also include dumbbells or resistance bands. Yoga, on the other hand, uses only the mat, sometimes straps and blocks.
Pilates Benefits
I have personally experienced many benefits of Pilates. But I have only scratched the surface. Regular pilates practice will bring you so many mental and physical benefits that you’ll kick yourself for not starting sooner.
Increased Energy Levels
It would be best if you focused on your breathing in order to do a large part of Pilates. Each inhale or exhale should be aligned to the movement that you are doing. This breathwork will actually help boost your energy. You’re able to increase your energy levels by helping oxygenated blood circulate through the body.
Increases mobility
The typical pilates exercise involves slow and precise movements that combine strength training with stretching. This is the best combination to improve your range of motion at your joints.
Reduces your risk of injury
Because Pilates focuses on simultaneously developing strength and flexibility, it teaches our body to move the right way, which, in turn, can lower cortisol and stress levels over time.