What can Pilates do for you?

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We’re living in uncertain times when it comes to health, so it’s no surprise that more people than ever are looking for ways to take care of their bodies and support their immune systems as best they can. That’s why we thought we would take things back to basics and talk a little about the benefits of Pilates.

Not sure what Pilates actually is? This low-impact form of exercise was created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates as he sought to rehabilitate injured athletes and dancers, helping them to maintain their fitness and return to their sport safely. Since then, Pilates has evolved into a globally-loved workout that is enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Performed on the mat or reformer and either with or without equipment, the focus is on the breath and small isolated movements.

There are so many reasons to practice Pilates, but for us the main benefits are…

  • POSTURE: Poor posture is said to affect 1 in 3 people at some point in their lives. The core strength and core stability required by most Pilates exercises help you to hold your body in correct alignment and encourage correct posture (i.e. preventing overarching of the back, hunched shoulders, or compensating for weakness in another area of the body). To name just a few positives, improving your posture helps to reduce chance of injury, avoid development of more serious conditions and relieve pain in areas such as the head, neck, back, hips and knees. It’s so important in fact, that the first half of your trial session at SmartFit is dedicated to assessing your posture. Your instructor will then create a personalised programme that works on improving your spinal alignment, head placement and pelvic positioning (if necessary) as well as helping you work toward your goals.

  • IMMUNE SYSTEM: The rhythmic movement patterns of Pilates stimulate the body’s blood flow and circulation; two key elements known to strengthen the immune system. Pilates has also been shown to improve the efficiency of your lymphatic and respiratory systems, which support your body in building immunity.

  • STRESS: The focus on the breath and concentration that’s required during a Pilates class has long since been found to help people to feel less stressed, more balanced and to sleep better too. Research conducted by MindBody actually found that clients who practice Pilates or yoga reported a 70% reduction in their stress levels. Keeping your stress levels down is also a key factor for a strong immune system.

  • HEALTHY AGEING: We all want to remain healthy as we age, which means staying active is fundamental. That’s where Pilates can be a huge help. Whether opting for private or group, Pilates exercises help to improve co-ordination, flexibility, mobility and strength, all of which tend to suffer as we age. Learning to isolate movements and focus on your body alignment and spine flexibility can make a big difference in supporting healthy ageing, and are at the centre of our dedicated Age Strong classes. As Joseph Pilates once said, “A man is as young as his spinal column. If your spine is stiff at 30, you are old. If it is flexible at 60, you are young.”

  • REHABILITATION: Injuries and pre-existing physical conditions both require some form of rehabilitation to ensure your body heals correctly and that you return to exercise safely. At SmartFit, helping our clients to re-discover energised, pain-free living through Pilates is at the core of our philosophy. The slow, isolated movements help to strengthen areas of weakness and realign the body. Supporting our clients as they return to sport and on their journey towards better health is a SmartFit speciality. You can read more about it here.

  • LOW-INTENSITY: Pilates is a form of low-intensity exercise, making it an ideal option for those who want to enjoy a body-sculpting, calorie-burning workout but are dealing with injuries or other pre-existing conditions. Those who would like to get the heart-rate up a little more should try Cardio Pilates, held at SmartFit every Sunday at 10am.

  • MENTAL HEALTH: The low-impact style and focused breath work of Pilates have been shown to have a positive influence on mental health; helping many people to sleep better, reduce mood swings and feel more balanced. Pilates classes are also your chance to enjoy a little you-time, and focus your attention on nothing but your instructor’s guidance and encouragement. Put simply by Joseph Pilates, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”

With small group classes suitable for beginners and private sessions available to help you master Pilates movements and work toward your own health and fitness goals, there is no reason not to give it a try and begin to feel the benefits for yourself.

As Joseph Pilates himself once said, “Everyone is the architect of their own happiness”. Take control of your health and happiness and book your first session now.

Contact us here to book and get 50% off your first private session or group class at SmartFit. We look forward to meeting you.

SmartFit Admin