The Pilates Experience

Many ladies believe in cardio exercises only because we are so scared to get “bulky” when doing circuit or weights. Yes, cardio is the easy way to stay trim, but the long term benefits lie in having sufficient lean body mass- therefore, a bit of muscle. Pilates promised a long, lean and most of all, strong body.

 

“Some stretching and playing with the ball” was how I explained immediately after the first class. It did not AT ALL compare to the rush of a fast paced long-run. My story changed the next day as I described it as “an hour of intense muscle workout” due to every single muscle in and around my core aching (in a good way).

Pilates, combined with my regular cardio routine is now a priority! These are the benefits of pilates:

Good Complimentary Workout:

Pilates won’t get you trimmed all by it self but, it will compliment your usual exercises by keeping over trained and tired muscles flexible and stretched. Your body will get some time to recover, and the extra stretching and toning will keep the injuries at bay.

Core-centric:

The core reaches far beyond the abdominals. Pilates will focus on the abdominals, together with back muscles to surround the spine with strong muscles.  The core is continuously activated and engaged in nearly every exercise done during the session to support the torso and spine. Other important muscle groups targeted till be the very important pelvic flour and thighs.

Lengthen and Strengthen:

Regular Pilates exercises will help keep the bulky muscles at bay. The professionals say that in Pilates you stretch the muscle to its full extension, and then contract it. With weight lifting, the muscle contracts and builds or expands the muscle.

Body Awareness:

During the whole session you will be reminded and made aware of your body, your core, breathing and posture. This is key to doing the exercises correctly. Keeping breathing and posture in mind, everyday living and exercising will be improved. Better posture and “activating” the abdominals will trim a few centimeters of your mid-line instantly. Breathing correctly will fuel your muscles with oxygen when inhaling and help contract abdominal muscles on the exhale,

All this becoming aware and breathing well will have you feeling relaxed, clear-headed and more focused on your body.

What’s not to love? After my Pilates class I feel toned, stretched and in a way rested.