Pilates is for Everyone

Posted on by Rosemary Godfrey

Women come in all shapes and sizes with all abilities and from all backgrounds. Some are expert sportswomen, some are a bit rubbish. It doesn’t matter. The important thing is to get active.

Read more at This Girl Can

Men often shy away from Pilates because it seems like a female-dominated practice. But in reality, many professional athletes use it as a form of cross-training to improve their overall performance. Not a pro football or basketball player? Pilates can still be a vital component to your exercise routine and serve as a fountain of youth for your overall physical well-being.

Read more at PilatesAnytime

For older adults, it is not aging itself that causes difficulties, but the lack of activity that can go with it. You can be healthier if you exercise because a person with more strength, stamina, skill, and suppleness has more resilience to illness or injury.

Whoever you are, adding Pilates to your exercise routine can improve your sports performance and overall wellbeing.

  • If you slump at a desk all day or drive long distances, Pilates will help improve your posture by strengthening the deep stabilising muscles that hold you upright.
  • You may already be strong in one area or sport, but Pilates works the whole body so that you find yourself working muscles you didn’t even know you had!
  • Pilates focuses on flexibility and lengthening which will increase your range of motion, making everyday movements such as reaching significantly smoother and easier.
  • If you favour one side of your body over the other, Pilates will show this up and allow you to correct imbalances by strengthening your weaker side.
  • One of the basic principles of Pilates is to breathe in such a way as to deliver oxygen to your muscles so that they can work efficiently. Focusing on your breathing helps with concentration and relaxation too.
  • The Pilates focus on correct alignment and quality of movement ensures that you use the right muscle for the right movement, minimising the risk of injury.
  • The Pilates emphasis on stability is effective for helping alleviate back pain.
  • Pilates can be adapted to suit your ability and address any injury or surgery that you may have, allowing you to continue to exercise while recovering and to aid in your rehabilitation programme.
  • Pilates is beneficial for helping to maintain bone strength, improving muscle strength and balance, as well as helping with pain and posture.