Pilates: Is it truly going to change your fitness game?

If you’re tired of your current workout routine or are looking for a new way to get fit this summer, you could try your hand at Pilates. Designed as a low-impact activity, Pilates is a combination of exercises that not only strengthens the muscles and bones through controlled movements but also improves flexibility and builds immunity.

Pilates is named after Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercise in the 1920s. It is made up of over 600 exercises and variations and is for everybody regardless of gender, age or fitness levels. Similar to yoga, the Pilates method too encourages deep, conscious breathing.

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Pilates equipment varies from smaller, portable pieces such as resistance bands, Pilates mats and the magic circle (also known as the Pilates ring) to many large pieces of apparatus such as the Pilates Reformer, Pilates Chair and the Cadillac. Just like many other fitness systems, it should be done for a minimum of 3 times per week. However, to further improve your body's strength, flexibility and endurance you can do up to 4 or 5 Pilates classes a week.

Here's why you should consider adding Pilates to your fitness routine. ​

Maximises core strength

Pilates activates your core muscles (the ones in your back, abdomen and pelvic floor). These muscles are essential for supporting your entire body. A regular Pilates routine can keep your core strong and firm.

Improves flexibility

Like yoga, Pilates incorporates careful stretching and bending. This helps increase your range of motion while keeping your muscles strong. This one-two punch of stretching and strengthening can allow you and your joints to become more flexible as you progress in your Pilates practice.

Improves posture

Poor posture forms as a result of bad habits such as slouching at your desk and chair, which can eventually cause backache, neck ache and headache. The bad habits will result in asymmetrical muscle development, where some muscles become weaker than the others. Pilates can help to strengthen those underdeveloped muscles, and get rid of bad posture.

Addresses muscle imbalance

A muscle imbalance is when certain muscles in the body are stronger or more developed than others. This can happen as a result of bad posture, inactivity, an unbalanced exercise programme or even exercising with improper form, which can lead to certain injuries. Moving incorrectly puts a lot of pressure on some of our muscles. Pilates is proven to help patients recover from injuries and surgery, by strengthening the deepest muscles, optimising alignment and creating correct movement patterns.

Increases energy levels

Pilates is a low-energy exercise that rarely makes you feel burned out or disoriented after your workout. Besides that, it focuses on cardiorespiratory capabilities, which improve blood circulation and oxygen flow. As the blood pumps, your blood glucose increases which boosts the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) and boosts energy in the body.

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