• Core Strength
The benefits of developing core strength go way beyond flat abs. “Core muscles” are made up of not only your deep front abdominals, but also your side abdominals, buttocks and your entire back muscles.
Toned abs and a strong back have many benefits, including helping to prevent injury, improving posture and reducing neck pain, shoulder pain and lower back pain.
• Flexibility
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young” – Joseph Pilates
In addition to improving the flexibility of commonly tight areas like the chest, low back, hips and hamstrings, Pilates also emphasizes the flexibility of the spine. Spinal flexibility is important since excessive tightness can impede normal movement.
• Control
Joseph Pilates calls his work “Body Contrology” and he stated that “Contrology begins with mind control over muscles”.
Moving with control requires awareness and promotes balanced muscular development. It is also important to prevent injuries especially for those who have joint laxity or hypermobility, a common risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis.
• Improved Posture = Look Taller and Leaner
Good posture is a reflection of good alignment supported by a strong and flexible core. It is a position from which one can move freely.
One of the focuses of Pilates exercises is to create balance, or symmetry in the upper and lower body, right and left sides. The emphasis on correct alignment in a Pilates class creates balanced muscular development and flexibility, hence improving our postures making us look taller and slimmer.
Good posture in different activities is also important for preventing lower back pain and neck and shoulder pain.
• Increased Muscle Strength and Endurance to Aid Weight Loss
Pilates is strength training. We work with resistance (either using our own body weight or spring resistance from Pilates equipment) to increase muscular strength and endurance. This helps you enjoy and last longer in your favourite cardio workout to help boost your weight loss efforts better and faster.