You’ve likely heard of pilates if you’re in the fitness world — it’s well known for sculpting bodies, building core strength and helping people with chronic pain feel more confident and strong. But it’s also a workout that can be difficult for beginners, and it’s important to find a knowledgable teacher who can help you build your foundation, so you can avoid injury, says Harrington.
Pilates focuses on control, precision and awareness of the breath and body. And that mindset can carry over into daily life, reducing stress and improving your mental health.
A strong core is a huge component of pilates, and that doesn’t just help prevent injuries but can actually improve athletic performance. In fact, a study in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that incorporating Pilates into an athlete’s training regimen can help them “minimize their metabolic cost” during a 5K run.
“Pilates can be a real eye-opener for people who have never done any type of movement before,” says Harrington, who works with injured athletes and ballet dancers. Unlike other types of exercise, which often encourage you to go as fast as possible for the best results, Pilates is more about setting the foundation and moving with a flow. “It’s about establishing that mind-muscle connection and really slowing down movements.”
Another upside of a strong core is better pelvic floor function, which can reduce menstrual discomfort. Plus, a stronger pelvic floor can boost sexual pleasure, according to a study in the journal Investigative and Clinical Urology.