Find a New Fit: Pilates

Whether you’re just starting to exercise or looking to put the fire back into your workout, adding a fun new activity will reenergize your fitness routine. Take this short quiz and find a new fit.

Pilates is a great workout for all levels of experience. It’s something you can do either on a mat or with special equipment, and focuses on strengthening your core. Read on to learn more about how you can get started doing Pilates.

What is Pilates?

Pilates consists of doing a series of movements that focus on working out your core. It’s similar to yoga, but with different poses and stretches – think more along the lines of crunches, and less downward dog. One form of Pilates can be done anywhere with a mat, but there is also advanced equipment you can use with an instructor at some gyms if you choose to.

Pilates is a workout that can be easily modified for different fitness levels, and you can get a great workout with even the simplest poses.

What do I need to get started?

All you need to start doing Pilates is a workout mat or yoga mat. Once you have that covered, you can find many resources to help walk you through your first workout with a quick Google search if you prefer to work out at home. Pilates classes are also offered at many gyms, and there are Pilates studios in many areas dedicated to giving classes.

If you want to really invest in Pilates, some studios offer classes or private training with special equipment such as the reformer or cadillac. Look into local studios if you’re interested in trying one of these machines.

What are the health benefits of Pilates?

Pilates’ isn’t just about trying to get great abs. Here’s a few other benefits of practicing Pilates:

• Core strengthening: Pilates works out your core and several surrounding muscles, like your lower back and glutes. This has been said to help with better stability as well.
• Increased body awareness: Pilates especially places an emphasis on your form. By focusing on slight differences in how your neck or shoulders are moving during Pilates, you may become more aware of how you’re sitting or moving outside of class as well. This can help with posture or sitting at a desk all day by relieving tension.
• Improved flexibility: Pilates includes stretching in many of its exercises, which will help lead to increased flexibility over time.

What else do I need to know about Pilates?

Pilates is a popular exercise you can do either alone or in a group, at the gym or at your house. This makes it a great addition to almost anyone’s routine when they’re looking to try something new.