Have you ever tried Pilates? If not yet then go for it without giving a second thought. It really makes a lot of difference in your overall health without taking a toll on your body. Although the moves may look simple, they require a lot of precision and control. Pilates caters for everyone, from beginner to advanced. It targets muscles that support your back, strengthens your core, improves flexibility, strength, helps to realign your posture and what not? Scroll down and find out the several Pilates exercise benefits.
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Pilates Exercise Benefits- REDUCES BELLY FAT
Studies have shown that belly fat is the depot that conveys the biggest health risk. Yes, belly fat not only gives you an unappealing body but is strongly linked to a host of serious disease risks, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dementia.
Pilates has a solution for this! It is a safe and effective way to lose belly fat and get those amazing flat-toned abs! In fact, Pilates will not only work towards a toned stomach but will reduce love handles and also help you target visceral fat. So, if you have been trying hard on your tummy and your belly is still sticking out, go for Pilates. It will not only enhance your physical appearance but will also make you healthier and live longer.
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INCREASES METABOLISM
Regular participation in Pilates sessions can impact your overall body composition. Wondering how?
Doing pilates adds lean muscle to your body and reduces body fat. This increase in muscle mass boosts your basal metabolic rate– and that makes your body burn more calories at rest.
Also, pilates increases blood circulation which further stimulates all the systems and organs of the body. This aids in the elimination of toxins and waste from the body. All this makes the metabolism work more efficiently.
IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY
Want to improve strength, flexibility and balance at the same time? Pilates can help you achieve that! Whenever it comes to flexibility exercises, we generally rely on warm-up, cool-down and sit-and-reach exercises. But pilates is a proven and safe method for improving flexibility. In fact, it is far better than static stretching.
Pilates method is actually a combination of static and dynamic stretching exercises. In this, the body works in a slow, controlled manner which helps in developing longer, leaner muscles that are more flexible. Improved flexibility will significantly enhance the functional quality of life, and also reduces the risk of injury.
STRENGTHEN MUSCLES
Pilates may look very simple and easy but the intentional and often tiny movements elongate and strengthen the muscles. It improves functional strength by increasing muscle tone and elasticity. Pilates is known to use the deepest muscles and thereby helps in improving overall muscle endurance.
Once you gain muscle strength with pilates, you will be able to perform more complex exercises with much ease and increased comfort. Moreover, a body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.
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IMPROVES POSTURE
If you want to improve your posture, focus on exercises that strengthen your core- the abdominal and low back muscles. Pilates is something that will help you develop your core strength and awareness, and also teaches you good spinal alignment.
All Pilates exercises have the power to make your body more svelte and lean. Pilates training put emphasis on body positioning and breathing techniques which helps to reinforce good posture habits.
EASES BACK PAIN
Lower Back Pain (LBP) affects most people at some point in their lives. If you are the one beaten by back pain then instead of reaching for the painkillers, rely on Pilates. Pilates can go a long way in treating and preventing back pain.
Poor posture is one of the main reasons for back pain. Pilates focuses on core (deep abdominal) strengthening, stabilising muscles in the glutes, abdominals and back. These muscles stabilise lower back which can reduce pain and help to protect the back from further injury. Pilates promotes a strong and flexible spine, teaches good alignment, and provide gentle stretches for tight back muscles.
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BOOSTS BRAIN POWER
What separates Pilates from other forms of exercises is that it offers a tremendous amount of mental benefits. In other physical activities, the only body gets engaged and not the brain. But in Pilates, one needs to recruit both body and mind simultaneously which positively impact brain health.
Pilates pumps blood to the brain and boosts memory as it challenges coordination, concentration, movement in all directions and involves a particular breathing pattern.