Everyone, who has gone to Pilates for at least a few months, has probably noticed the many benefits that it brings to both body and mind. Not only can Pilates help you lose weight and sculpt your body, but it can also help you clear your mind and feel so much better about yourself. Furthermore, it can reduce stress. Pilates certainly sounds like a great idea now, but let’s see what are the other benefits that Pilates can induce.
Popular Types of Pilates
When you hear Pilates, you probably just think of some exercises using a pilates ball. However, there are different types of Pilates and all of them can bring you many benefits.
Reformer Pilates – this type of Pilates offers a more intense exercise for your whole body. Also, it includes a wider variety of exercises done in groups. Plus, the benefits of Pilates reformer are bigger and you get to use machines for working out.
Mat Pilates – this is close to the original Pilates and it’s performed on the floor. Also, the exercises are more focused on your core and little to no equipment is used.
Clinical Pilates – the name can be a bit misleading because clinical pilates uses the equipment to treat the body for a specific injury. It may lack the holistic nature of Pilates, but it certainly helps the body heal and become stronger.
Pilates Improves Your Memory
It is natural that as we age we lose the volume of our hippocampus, which is in charge of our memory and cognitive function. There have been studies which have proven that exercise improves our neurogenesis (creation of new brain cells) and keeps our memory fresh. Also, scientists have found that people who practice mindful exercises such as Yoga and Pilates have much better brain function and they don’t lose their memory and cognitive functions as people who don’t practice these.
It Keeps Your Body Healthy
Different types of exercises focus on different parts of your body and may over-develop some parts, while others stay neglected. However, Pilates doesn’t do that. It focuses on core strength and it trains the entire body as a whole. Pilates exercises promote balanced muscle development and strength, but they also focus on flexibility and increased range of motion for your joints. What is more, it also focuses on your breathing and mind, which makes Pilates popular among many people of different ages.
Pilates Improves Your Posture
Our spine and back are the support for our entire body. That is why good posture is essential for everyone. A good posture is a sign of good alignment and a strong core and Pilates can help you with that. Pilates trains your body to be strong and in harmony, which is a needed foundation for a strong and healthy body. And a strong and healthy body will provide ease in everyday movements. So, it’s no surprise that people with back pain do Pilates, which certainly helps them stand strong.
Makes Your More Aware of Your Body
We often forget or neglect our bodies and never pay attention to our movements, posture, and breathing. However, with Pilates, you will learn how to focus on these three areas and how to perfect your controlled movement. This will translate into your everyday life and you will start to notice how you are treating your body and what needs to be improved. Also, it will teach you the symmetry and coordination, how to keep your core tight, shoulders square and take care of your posture. Through time and exercise, this will come naturally to you and you will start treating your body better.
Where to Train
Every bigger city certainly has its Pilates studio. So, do some digging and ask around if you have a local Pilates studio near you. However, there are some major studios that are really famous for their work. For example, New York and London have some of the most famous and luxurious Pilates studios that are worth trying. If you’re in NYC you should certainly try Karen Lord Pilates Movement studio and the SLT studio.
These two studios are lead by professionals and have all the necessary and latest equipment that will get the best out of your Pilates workout. In London, try Triyoga and Heartcore if you want the best equipment, trainers and a relaxing atmosphere.
If you’ve always wanted to try Pilates, this is the time. It brings many benefits to your body and mind and it can help you a lot. Not only will your body be strong, but your mind will stay clear and you will be treating your body as a temple.
