Pilates has many beneficial properties. Whether you are aiming to become stronger, improve overall muscle tone, or perfect your posture mat pilates could be your answer.

1. IMPROVED POSTURE

Muscle imbalance between the right and left side of your body results in certain muscles having to compensate for the weaker ones. Tightness in certain areas of your body can also lead to other areas having to compensate. Pilates exercises strengthen those weak muscles, giving relief to tight muscles, and improve alignment and flexibility of your spine; all promoting a better posture.

2. CORDINATION + BALANCE

Pilates delves into how to hold a specific pose for a period of time that helps target that muscle group. Over time these muscle groups gain strength, and your over-all balance & cordination heightens.

3. INCREASED STRENGTH

Pilates targets specific muscle groups, large and small, and can work muscles that are often missed in other forms of exercise. As exercises are performed in a controlled manner, you are able to strengthen and tone parts of your body, while lengthening your muscles.

4. ENHANCED CORE AKA ABS

Pilates involves specific exercises that help improve your core stability & strength. Core does not only refer to your abdominal muscles, but also muscles in your obliques, your lower back, your pelvic floor, your glutes (hello bootie) and your hips. These muscles are usually referred to as your powerhouse in Pilates.

5. FLEXIBILITY

Pilates improves the flexibility of your muscles and the mobility of your joints. This aids in increased circulation in your body, improves range of motion and makes you less susceptible to injury. Being more flexible will help you to perform other exercises more effectively, better enable you to perform everyday tasks, and improve your balance.

6. GREATER STAMINA

At first, the sequences of exercises and the repetitions may be difficult, but as you progress through your practice of Pilates, these will become easier and your endurance will improve. This is combined with improving your mental strength because as you endure– you increase your mind’s capacity to push through.

7. HELPS WITH BACK PAIN.

Pilates helps to decrease & prevent back pain as it strengthens your core, corrects imbalances in your body, teaches proper alignment, and helps to gently stretch those tight muscles. Your back is left more effectively supported, your body is more balanced, and you have better alignment.

8. MENTAL FITNESS

Pilates requires mental concentration to perform controlled exercises and coordinate breathing. It encourages the connection between your mind and muscles as you perform exercises, while mindfully engaging specific muscles.  The more you focus on the correct technique, breathing and engaging muscles, the more your ability to focus will increase, ultimately increasing your mental strength.

9. NATURAL DE-STRESSER

Taking time for yourself to focus on performing exercises while practising intentional breathing shifts your focus off negative emotions. This acts as a release and a way to de-stress. The act of breathing intentionally, as in Pilates, helps calm your nervous system and leaves your body feeling more relaxed while improving your mood.