It's no surprise that Pilates is good for you. Honestly, the biggest surprise here is that I was able to narrow down this list of benefits to only 8 for the sake of being concise. Let's dive in real quick and see why each of these benefits is important.
1. POSTURE
Why does it matter?
Other than getting your nagging mother off your back (pun intended), good posture affects just about everything health-wise. It certainly impacts numbers 2-8 on the list, so it's the perfect benefit to kick off with.
According to Barrington Ortho, "Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep your nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People who make a habit of using correct posture are less likely to experience related back and neck pain."
In short, good posture = good spinal health!
How Pilates helps:
Consistent Pilates makes good posture habitual thanks to the amazing combo of strengthening/flexibility exercises. No, YOU sit up straight, mom!
2. BYE BYE BACK PAIN
Why does it matter?
Who wants to live with back pain?? No one I know! It's the most common symptom we treat here at Functionize, and we often incorporate Pilates into that treatment.
How Pilates helps:
Refer to #1! Pilates exercises enhance spinal, scapular and joint flexibility while strengthening shoulder, lower back and abdominal musculature. (Barrington Ortho)
3. MINIMAL IMPACT
Why does it matter?
Low-impact exercises reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, meaning these types of exercises are great for anyone; young or old, heavy or thin, beginner or pro. We love an all-inclusive workout that doesn't sacrifice quality, bay-bee!
How Pilates helps:
Pilates relies on slow, intentional repetitions of small movements. You don't have to put excessive strain on your joints to get in a great workout!
4. BALANCE
Why does it matter?
Good balance can vastly reduce your risk of injury. Falling isn't exactly ideal for anyone, but if you are of a certain age, a fall can be incredibly detrimental to your health. The best defense? Good balance!
How Pilates helps:
Pilates exercises are designed to strengthen your core muscles, such as the Transversus abdominus. A stronger core means better balance.
5. BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH
Why does it matter?
It matters because mental health is just as important as physical health, period.
How Pilates helps:
Pilates routines focus on breathing techniques and mindful thinking, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve concentration and sleeping habits.
6. FLEXIBILITY
Why does it matter?
Flexibility increases your range of motion and allows for you to perform exercises with a reduced risk of injury and muscle soreness, with improved balance, mobility, and muscle coordination.
How Pilates helps:
According to EscapeHaven.com, "Studies have shown that just 20 Pilates sessions can result in a 20% increase in flexibility. A Pilates workout is about strengthening and stretching—and this combination is the perfect way to ease tight muscles and create a more limber and subtle body." (As for what the heck a "subtle body" is, we may never know.)
7. IMPROVES SPORT PERFORMANCE
Why does it matter?
You might write this one off if you don't align with the conventional definition of "athlete," but we believe that everyone is an athlete! Not because of what sport you do (or don't) play, but because our daily activities are often comprised of a series of athletic movements. Whether you're squatting weights or squatting to sit on the toilet, the movement is still the same.
How Pilates helps:
Simply refer to numbers 1-6! Improving all of the above (Reducing injury, strengthening, better mental health, improved balance, etc.) will definitely boost your sports performance.
8. IMMUNITY
Why does it matter?
::gestures around vaguely:: Yeah, we have a vaccine for the GLOBAL PANDEMIC we just experienced now, but what about the next one?? A healthy immune system is indescribably important.
How Pilates helps:
Exercise is one of the best ways to boost immunity! It's been said that if exercise was a pill, it would be the most-prescribed one by doctors everywhere.
So, now that you know at least 8 amazing benefits of Pilates, it's time to start incorporating this great exercise into your fitness routine! No reformer? No problem! Check out this post with videos where Lauren shows you simple mat Pilates exercises you can do anytime, anywhere.
Want a more personalized, guided approach with all the bells and whistles? Contact us today! We offer private Pilates with Lauren right here in our downtown Decatur office.
✉️Email: info@functionizehealth.com
📞Call: 404-907-4196
📱Text: 404-907-4196
Thanks for reading!
Mary Kathleen
Mary Kathleen is Functionize’s Manager of Client Success & Creative Design. She lives in Atlanta with husband Brian and their three furry children: Cotton (pup), Burlap (pup), and Knuckles (kitty). She is the owner of Velvet & Vine Boutique.