Pilates is more than just an exercise. Any person who’s been practicing it for even a few months knows that Pilates doesn’t only sculpt your body but it also leads to positive effects on your mind giving you strength, serenity, and balance. 

There are 2 varieties of Pilates. You'll either be encountering a class that's based on a mat, which is a little thicker than your standard yoga mat, to cushion pressure points, or a machine called a reformer, which is a sliding platform having stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance. Make sure to know which one you're getting into before you commit to your workout. Both the options target the concept of control rather than going through endless reps or muscle exhausting exercises.

What is pilates?

In Pilates, your muscles are basically working against the gravity or against the resistance of the springs or bands, with the ultimate aim of strengthening and toning the muscles. Your goal should be to take time while doing the exercises, be focused, and try connecting to your breathing.
And just to make you feel more enthusiastic, we must tell you that the reformer experience is really full of fun! The reformer machine gives you additional resistance and the sliding surface challenges your workout. It often feels like you’re freely flying. Sounds exciting? 

As far as Pilates is concerned, most women are either die-hard fans or have never ever stepped into a Pilates studio. Are you in the latter group? In that case, we suggest you to change that habit at once, if believing tons of research that proves the endless benefits of Pilates. And to make you trust us, let’s directly jump into the uniquely awesome power of Pilates.

Strengthens core, like never before

The core muscles of the body are basically the deeper located muscles of the back, abdomen and pelvis. These are the muscles we rely on, to support a perfect posture and efficient movement patterns. Pilates directly targets your core unlike any other workout. In fact, after going through 36 weeks of Pilates training, it was found that women strengthened their rectus abdominis muscle (the muscle behind your 'six-pack abs' dream) by an average of 21 percent. 

Happier joints!

The slow and controlled movements used in Pilates put minimal impact on the joints thus, keeping them "happier"! And if you're using the Pilates reformer, it works excellently in taking the pressure off your back and knees as the padding on a Pilates reformer is as thick as 10 yoga mats! 

Full body work-out

Unlike some forms of exercise that target specific body parts, Pilates does not work on some special parts of the body neglecting others. While Pilates training targets on developing core strength, it trains the entire body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and work efficiently in raising the range of motion for the joints. Providing core support and full-body fitness, including the respiration and the mind, creates a level of integrative fitness that is a good enough reason for you to love it. Are we right? 

Aim for perfectly toned muscles

Pilates isn't for building puffed up muscles just in order to show-off. Instead it helps in building toned muscles that perfectly target the functional fitness needs of a person. One of the ways by which Pilates helps create well-toned and strong muscles is by utilizing a type of muscle contraction called an eccentric contraction.

Pilates Improves Posture

Good posture reflects good alignment supported by a strong core. In simpler words, it is a position from which one can freely move. Pilates basically trains the body to express itself with utmost strength and harmony. Try observing the oh-so-perfect posture of those who practice Pilates. This is the reason why people practice Pilates for getting relief from backache.

Weight Loss game sorted

If you practice Pilates consistently, it will eventually bring a great change to your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and an attractive, leaner look, Pilates works on improving muscle tone, balancing musculature, helping to create a flawless posture, and teaching you to move gracefully, thus making you look and feel superbly fit. 
If you really wish to shed some weight, the formula for weight loss remains the same: Burn more calories than your body utilizes. As a full-body fitness regime, Pilates will help you target that. Combined with aerobic activity, Pilates becomes an integral weight loss and body toning method. 

Body and mind coordination

Pilates is all about creating a flawless coordination between body, mind, and soul. This is one of the secrets of Pilates exercise that you must know. Each movement is performed with complete focus and attention. It is believed that exercising this way unites the body and mind bringing forth some surprising benefits from each exercise. The Pilates revolves around the following key concepts — concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flow — that are used to integrate body and mind.

Suitable for everyone

Pilates is suited to everyone, be it a beginner or someone highly experienced. You get to perform exercises utilizing your own body weight, or with the help of various pieces of equipment. A typical Pilates workout includes a myriad of exercises and stretching activities. Every exercise is performed focusing on proper breathing techniques and abdominal muscle control. To gain the utmost benefit, you should do Pilates at least twice or thrice per week and the good news is that you may notice drastic improvements in posture just after 10 to 20 sessions. Get going! 

Dr. Sweksha Yadav