Pilates is a safe and effective workout that strengthens the entire body with low-impact exercises performed on mats or specialized equipment. Studies show that pilates builds core and full-body strength while promoting flexibility and mobility. It’s a great addition to any exercise routine and is often used in physical therapy for injuries and recovery.
The slow, controlled movements and focus on mindful movement help to build muscle endurance and improve balance. It also increases your mobility as you move through a range of motion without forcing joints to stretch beyond their natural limits. As a result, it’s less likely to lead to injury than other higher intensity exercises.
It also enhances proprioception, which helps you to better sense your body’s positioning in space. This is a critical skill for preventing falls, especially as we age. Pilates also improves posture by strengthening neglected postural muscles and bringing awareness to spinal and pelvic alignment. This helps reduce the risk of headaches, shoulder and back pain.
Like yoga and other mindfulness exercises, pilates emphasizes deep breathing techniques that help to lower stress levels. In fact, a 2018 study found that people who practiced pilates three times per week improved their scores on functional movement screens—which measure things like balance, stability and mobility—more than those who did yoga or who didn’t exercise at all.