Pilates has been growing massively in popularity – and with good reason…
It’s low-impact and includes hundreds of variations, meaning that you always have room to progress without over-stressing the bodyMost people turn to pilates for three main benefits: balance, flexibility and core strength. But the practice is good for so much more.: “Pilates focuses on postural alignment and core strength, which alleviates back pain. It’s also a full-body workout that increases mobility, helps to prevent injuries and more.
. It’s also an amazing choice of complementary training for runners or those who take part in a lot of HIIT exercise as it’s low impact while still strengthening the core-stabilising muscles.”Pilates is a form of strength training, and we know that strength training is super important for maintaining muscle mass and metabolism. Metabolism is a series of chemical reactions designed to turn food into energy and get rid of waste.
“By strength training. we increase our muscle mass and more muscle has been shown to be one of the factors that may increase metabolism,” explains Strong Women ambassador Emma Obayuvana. Emma warns, however, that this effect is “largely based on an individual’s base metabolic rate and body mass” and therefore isn’t something we can quantify en masse.
“Well known for it’s core-strengthening benefits, people who practice pilates regularly can experience better function and strength of the muscles of the torso,” explains Reeves. Reformer pilates has been linked to lower back pain relief.Joseph Pilates claimed to have been inspired to create his method during his internment on the Isle of Man during the First World War. It’s there that he’s said to have worked on his fellow inmates, coming up with ideas for stretching and strengthening the body.