If you’re getting tired of your current workout routine or are simply looking for a new way to get in shape this summer, you could try pilates. Pilates is made up of hundreds of exercises and variations and is much more than your standard core work. It’s ideal for those of all ages, genders, and lifestyles as it has many benefits. It’s commonly used as a cross-training workout, injury prevention, and rehabilitative purposes. The best thing is during the summer you can even do pilates outside in the park, on the beach, or even in your own backyard. Here are fifteen reasons why you should consider adding pilates to your fitness routine this year.
Maximize your core strength
Pilates is one of the best workouts for core strength. Many of the exercises are geared towards strengthening central muscles which provide support to your entire body. There are several reasons why core strength is important. It can help to reduce lower back pain and joint pain and improve your posture. Core strength is also important for other types of exercise and it gives your body more power and stability overall. Pilates is also great for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle due the positive impact it has on your alignment and posture.
Use your body as resistance
The thing about pilates is that it teaches you to use your body as resistance. Whereas you can use tools if you like such as weights or balls, you can get on perfectly fine with pilates without much more than a mat to rest on. This makes it ideal if your home gym is slightly lacking in the equipment department. If you’re interested in learning to use your body as resistance, you could also try Openfit’s best bodyweight exercises. These are great for building strength from head to toe.
Improve your posture
Pilates can help to improve your posture. Many people are now working from home on a permanent basis and even though this has many benefits it can lead to limited movement and a more sedentary lifestyle. Often working at a desk all day can have a negative effect on your physical and mental well-being, especially if you’re not in a proper ergonomic setting. Doing pilates will help to remind you to maintain the correct posture while working.
Increase your flexibility
Pilates, like yoga, can help increase your flexibility. There are differences between yoga and pilates, however. Pilates focuses slightly more on small movements and core strength whereas in yoga you might find you hold poses for longer or concentrate on other areas such as breathing. They are complementary to one another so if you already do yoga, pilates can help enhance your strength and flexibility so you can go further into those more challenging postures.
Get an energy boost
As with most types of physical exercise, pilates will give you an energy boost. This is probably exactly what you need to combat summer fatigue. Pilates will help to improve healthy blood circulation throughout the body which helps to enhance its natural functions. You may also notice improvements in digestion as well. It’s a good activity to practise during the heat because although you’ll work up a sweat, it’s fairly low impact.
Relieve stress
Pilates is a great stress-reliever. Exercising in general helps to release endorphins in the body while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. This leaves you with an overall feeling of calm and positivity. Pilates is an ideal way to wind down after a long hard day at work, for example. It provides a wanted distraction and allows you to disconnect from everyday stresses and practice self-care. After your workout, you’ll feel more equipped to take on the next challenge.
Enjoy pilates outdoors
If you start practicing pilates this summer, why not take it outside? You could do your own workouts in a local park or on a quiet beach during the early morning. If you prefer working out with an instructor, see if there are any classes going on outdoors near you. This is a great way to meet people and can be very motivating. If you find it’s too hot to workout during the day, try switching up your schedule to fit in pilates during a cooler hour.
Get to know your body
Another benefit of pilates is that it helps to boost your body awareness. As you concentrate on working different muscle groups, you will learn to listen to your body and give it what it needs. Pilates is a mind-body practice that encourages you to focus your attention inwards and develop awareness of sensations such as pain, emotions, and hunger. Using your body as resistance helps you to do this and it can even improve your balance.
Boost your self-esteem
There are several ways exercise can boost your self-esteem, and pilates is no different. You’ll start to look and feel fitter and naturally more toned. Pilates also improves your posture which is connected to self-esteem. If you learn to stand up straight you’ll appear more confident and this will have a positive effect on the way people treat you. Physical exercise is beneficial to your mental well-being in many ways as it improves your mood and overall outlook.
Learn to set goals
If you start a new workout routine this summer it’s a good idea to set specific goals. This will help you continue to monitor your progress. You could try using a fitness tracker or simply write your goals down. Make your goals measurable. For example, you could begin simply by aiming to do three pilates sessions per week, then increase the difficulty level according to a deadline you set for yourself. You could also follow a set pilates program with an instructor to help you stay motivated.
Improve your mood
Pilates will help to improve your mood and this is why it’s recommended as an activity to reduce anxiety and depression. If you take a pilates class outside you can also reap the benefits of getting in touch with nature. Spending time outdoors allows you to gain perspective and has a very calming effect. Even if you’re working up a sweat at the time, you’ll finish feeling happier and satisfied.
Get a better night’s sleep
There are specific pilates exercises for sleep because it can be a very relaxing activity. Pilates is very varied and whereas some workouts are energizing, others can help you find the inner calm you need for a good night’s sleep. Energy levels and sleep are linked so it’s essential to ensure you follow a healthy sleep pattern. Pilates can help you do this but you could also try other complementary relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or acupressure.
Your kids can take part
Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, from little toddlers, to seniors. If you have children, why not get them involved in your workout? You could get the whole family active this summer. There are even pilates workouts designed for kids. These follow similar movements with a more fun vibe to keep kids engaged. You could enroll your kids in a class or simply check out online videos. There are plenty to choose from. There are also pilates tools designed for children to make the workouts more sensory.
It’s worth pointing out that pilates is also often recommended during pregnancy. Because it focuses on your core it can relieve backache, improve posture, and even help with labor and delivery. It helps to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles which can also be beneficial after birth. You can also practise pilates once you’ve recovered from labor to help you get your core back to strength more quickly.
Meet new people
If you prefer working out in a group then you could join a pilates class. This way you’ll meet plenty of new people and you can make friends. You could even go out to practise pilates somewhere with a workout buddy such as a park on the weekends. There are also tons of fitness apps that allow you to get in touch with other people and reward each other for your progress. This can be very encouraging.
Enhance your athletic performance
Pilates can help to enhance your overall athletic performance. It boosts your core strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and control. Many athletes use pilates exercises. They work well combined with different types of workouts such as cardio and strength training. Pilates is varied and you can do it at any level, so it can be beneficial for beginners and experienced gym bunnies alike.
If you’re looking to mix things up a little this summer, why not add pilates to your workout routine? It’s fun for people of all ages and fitness levels and you don’t need any tools to do it. You can even join a class outdoors in the sun. Pilates is a great way to relieve stress and get the boost you need. Get to work on your core and feel the benefits throughout your body.