Pilates is a mind-body exercise that builds core strength and improves flexibility, balance and coordination. The exercises also increase muscular endurance, reduce chronic pain and help manage stress and anxiety.
The Pilates repertoire includes mat and specialized equipment exercises. It is available to people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
It focuses on breathing, pelvic alignment and stabilization, cervical alignment and rib position. The resulting muscle tone and improved posture may also improve your performance in sports.
Boosts Muscle Endurance and Strength
Pilates moves often require you to resist gravity and move in a controlled way, so they are great for increasing muscular endurance. This type of resistance is known as an eccentric contraction.
This form of training can also improve muscle strength, endurance and balance in older adults. A 2017 study featured in the journal AGE found that participants who performed two to four sessions of Pilates over 12 weeks significantly increased their muscle strength and balance, while reducing their risk of falls.
Rehabilitates Injury Survivors
When you have an injury, Pilates is a safe and effective workout that can help speed up your recovery time. During one-on-one or small group sessions, Pilates is often taught to ease people back into exercise after a recent injury.
Developed by Joseph Pilates, it combines traditional training with specific equipment. These include Pilates rings (also called a magic circle), hand weights and other smaller pieces of specialized equipment that can be used during mat work to add resistance or develop balance.