Joseph Pilates, the creator of his eponymous workout method, was definitely on to something. The total-body Pilates workout has even more benefits than you realise. Here are 5 awesome reasons to consider doing Pilates:
IT’S AH-MAZING FOR YOUR ABS
Pilates redefines your core strength (or, in Pilates speak, your “powerhouse”), unlike any other workout. In fact, after completing 36 weeks of Pilates training, women strengthened their rectus abdominis (the muscle responsible for six-packs) by an average of 21 percent, while eliminating muscle imbalances between the right and left sides of their cores, according to a Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise study.
YOUR POSTURE WILL IMPROVE
Sitting at a desk all day and constantly looking down at a smartphone can lead to hunched shoulders and poor posture. Over time, this creates muscular imbalances. Pilates helps reverse the effects of these bad habits by creating better muscle symmetry and balance. At VIVA we focus on exercises that isolate specific muscles so that muscles that may be weaker can redevelop lost strength and create balance throughout the body. You’ll notice as your core strength and imbalances improve, you’ll move more freely through daily tasks without pain or strain.
YOU’LL FEEL ENERGISED & CONNECTED
At VIVA, we emphasise proper breathing, correct spinal & pelvic alignment, and concentrate on smooth, flowing movement, which results in becoming acutely in tune with your body. By participating regularly you’ll learn how to control your body’s movement. In our classes, the quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing will help you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. By learning how to breathe properly you’ll start to deeply connect with your body & breath which will reduce stress, have you feel more energised, promote a state of inner-peace and improve your mind-body connection.
YOU’LL IMPROVE YOUR FLEXIBILITY
A majority of exercises involve movement in only one plane of motion. Pilates, however, requires motion in several planes. Pilates exercises move the spine from flexion to extension, internal rotation to external rotation and side bending, promoting an increased range of motion throughout the body. Working within these additional planes of motion will decrease the risk of injury and increase and improve your flexibility.
IT IMPROVES BONE DENSITY
While strength training is a known bone-density builder, Pilates also offers surprising bone-building benefits. Did you know, bone, like muscle, is dynamic tissue and responds to resistance and weight-bearing exercises? The resistance in a VIVA Pilates Class comes from the springs of the Reformer and resistance bands which involves muscles pulling on the bone to create tension, which fortifies the bone.
The list of benefits is truly endless…here’s a few more…
- Builds long, lean muscles without building bulk
- Sharpens your focus and concentration
- Creates a stronger, more flexible spine
- Promotes faster recovery from strain or injury
- Relieves and manages lower back pain
- Complements all sports performance
- Increases lung capacity and circulation
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