Pilates is one of those more daunting types of exercise, the kind you hear about and think – what exactly is Pilates? Is it good for me?
In short, it’s a low-impact exercise that tones muscle, builds up lean muscle throughout the body, and improves your overall posture. Pilates isn’t strictly about losing weight but improving your general health and fitness. Our Chiropractor in West Vancouver has patients that practice Pilates frequently and swears by how strong and fit they feel over time. This has no doubt also improved their spinal health and posture over time.
If you’ve been considering signing up for a pilates class or trying some on your own at home, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about what pilates can do for you.
So what is Pilates exactly?
Invented by Joseph Pilates in the 20th century, the exercise has grown massively popular in Western culture over the last decade.
The exercise involves slow, precise movements with a focus on core strength. Controlled breathing is an essential part of a successful Pilates. Pilates can be done on a mat, like yoga, or using activity equipment.
This equipment includes the Reformer or the Wunda Chair. More advanced Pilates class will include other pieces of gear. There’ll be more on the different types of equipment later in the article.
Who is Pilates for?
Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, and people of all types of athletic backgrounds. Because of the significant difference in types and forms of Pilates, there is plenty to start with for beginners.
The equipment can either be set-up for beginners to help them get used to certain techniques or geared towards experts who want to practice their resistance training. Most classes will start on a mat with fairly easy-to-learn techniques.
Pilates is recommended for those who want to start taking care of their body, especially in terms of spine health and core strength. Even short bursts of Pilates can have a huge positive impact if staggered alongside a healthy diet and other exercise types. Doing pilates doesn’t mean you have to give up other types of exercises. In fact, it probably compliments it. Core strength and stability actually help with other sports and activities of daily living. It enhances your ability to move better and gives you confidence that that movement will not result in an injury. The other huge benefit is that it is a non to low impact exercise that will not cause significant wear and tear on your body or the spine.
What does a Pilates class involve?
As a beginner, most Pilates classes will involve nothing more than a mat. This is usually a bit thicker than a yoga mat.
You’ll need this cushion because many of the Pilates exercises involve holding your muscles in a certain way, controlling your posture, and resisting against gravity.
More advanced Pilates classes will involve pieces of equipment, most commonly the Reformer. While this sounds a bit scary, it’s actually a very simple piece of equipment that creates more resistance than gravity. There are bars and pulleys which are designed to focus on core and important muscles in the body.
Other equipment includes the Wunda, which is a chair with padding and springs that works in the same way as the Reformer. You may also encounter a Cadillac if you are an advanced student, essentially a bed that functions as a larger Reformer.
Overall, these more advanced pieces of equipment are used by more experienced Pilates practitioners. You won’t need to worry about spending money on these types of equipment as a beginner.
Is Pilates good for you?
There’s no doubt that Pilates is good for you. It’s a technique of exercise that has been in development almost for the last century.
Pilates focuses on very key areas and muscle groups across the body, each technique geared towards a different muscle.
You will ache when you do Pilates, but it is a good ache. The next day you will be sore, but it is a good sore. It only means that you have worked on a muscle or a group of muscles that you have not used or challenged frequently. Challenging muscle groups are a good way to keep them strong and healthy in the long run.
Pilates does wonders for the posture and for core strength, two areas that as our Chiropractor here in West Vancouver, we understand to be very important for general health as we age.
However, if you’re looking to lose weight as your only goal, Pilates isn’t known to burn as many calories as regular strength training, running, or a combination of weight training and cardiovascular workouts.
Pilates should be viewed as an additional form of exercise, balanced with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
A Final Word From Your Chiropractor in West Vancouver
At Ambleside Chiropractic in West Vancouver, we often hear of people’s positive response to Pilates. As experts on spine health and general body care, we know that Pilates can have a great effect on core strength, posture, and even help remedy some forms of lower back pain.
Like Chiropractic care, Pilates routines can be tailored around an individual. Whether you’re an elite athlete or ballerina, or an average person looking to improve their health, Pilates is a great option to add to your weekly exercise routine.
