Pilates is more than the “long and lean” aesthetic it’s famous for; the workout can benefit people of all ages, sizes, abilities and fitness levels. Whether you’re a sedentary office worker, a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, Pilates can help you increase strength, flexibility and endurance while improving balance, core and body conditioning. The Pilates repertoire—which includes mat exercises as well as specialized equipment—consists of more than 600 different movements and variations, so there’s a chance that even with just one session, you can see results.
The main objective of Pilates is to strengthen the muscles of your core, but it also targets other muscle groups like the arms and legs. It helps you become more in tune with your body by challenging you to focus on your breath, posture and controlled movement.
As you practice, it can lead to better proprioception (spatial awareness), which can boost your performance in other types of exercise and help you avoid injuries. That’s why many athletes—including golfers, runners, cyclists and football players—use pilates to supplement their regular training.
There’s usually no need to get a doctor’s OK before starting a new exercise routine, but it’s best to talk to your physical therapist or doctor before you try Pilates if you have an injury or medical condition that might affect your ability to perform the exercises safely. You should also inform your Pilates instructor about any injuries or physical limitations you have.