5 Reasons You Should Try Pilates

Pilates has been all the rage over the past year. And if you told us we would become Pilates nuts ourselves, we wouldn't believe you. But here we are, at the end of 2023, explaining why everyone should consider adding it to their daily fitness routine.

Before we begin, we should explain what Pilates actually is. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Pilates is a form of strength training that allows us to concentrate on precise movements and breathing. Joseph Pilates developed it in the 20th century to help dancers recover from repetitive motion injuries.

Now that we have an idea of what it consists of, let's jump into five reasons why it is one of our favorite ways to stay active.

It's One of the Best to Tone Your Body

We first remember Pilates skyrocketing in popularity after socialite Lori Harvey said it was her No. 1 tool to achieve her dream body. Despite being a low-intensity workout, it can tone your body as much as high-intensity ones, like swimming. It's because Pilates' slow, defined movements engage your muscles, which causes an uptick in your lean muscle mass. It's common to shed a few inches off your waist and see toned arms and legs.

That said, we want to mention Pilates is most effective when done two to three times per week. To see the best results, you should pair it with healthy eating and other types of exercise, like cardio and weightlifting.

As always, consult with a physician before making drastic changes to your diet and exercise.

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It's Great for All Ages

Almost all ages, from preteens to elders, can successfully perform a Pilates workout. For reference, our usual class recommends anyone 12 and up. There are many modifications you can make to make it less intense and suitable for your skill and flexibility. This versatility is exactly why Pilates can be one of the best for beginners embarking on a fitness journey.

 

Also read about: 6 Leggings That Won't Slide Down During Your Workout

 

It's Cheap

Sure, if you prefer to learn with an instructor, you can sign up for a class. But the beauty of Pilates is you can do it in the comfort of your home. For maximum comfort, you can purchase a mat and a reformer. And if you don't, you can use a soft carpeted area or opt for wall Pilates instead. There are almost zero barriers to implementing Pilates into your life!

 

It Improves Your Flexibility

Does anyone miss the days of being a flexible kid? As we've aged, we've lost most of it, but thankfully, Pilates has the tools to help regain it. Before every routine, you will likely do a series of stretches to loosen everything. As you jump into the Pilates moves, you'll notice they use graceful, long lines. Keep it in your fitness rotation, and you can, once again, do the splits.

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It Promotes Good Posture

We have had posture for years, standing and sitting. However, we didn't realize how bad it was until we started Pilates and consciously attempted to hold proper alignment through an hour-long class. After a while, you start to naturally hold your spine that way, leading to less back and neck pain.

 

There are a few items you can purchase to make your Pilates workout easier. Read HERE for nine accessories you should buy to become the ultimate Pilates guru.