The Benefits of Pilates for Overall Fitness and Muscle Function

The Benefits of Pilates: A Comprehensive Exercise Technique

Pilates, an exercise technique created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, has been gaining popularity for its ability to work muscles, enhance endurance, and improve balance, posture, and flexibility. According to a previous review, Pilates consists of roughly 50 exercises that target smaller muscle groups, stabilize muscle groups, and strengthen the core.

Heather Milton, a board-certified clinical exercise physiologist with NYU Langone Health, emphasizes the importance of building these muscles to improve everyday tasks and reduce the risk of injury. In fact, a recent study published in PeerJ found that three one-hour Pilates sessions per week helped participants improve lean and fat mass, trunk endurance, and flexibility.

However, experts suggest that Pilates should be considered a complement to aerobic exercise and resistance training, rather than a standalone workout. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus two strength-training sessions each week, which Pilates may not fully encompass due to the lack of resistance involved.

Jesse Barnett, a Pilates instructor and certified personal trainer, highlights the importance of considering your current fitness level when incorporating Pilates into your routine. While Pilates may not provide the same strength-training benefits as traditional weightlifting, it can still offer health benefits, especially for those who are less active or older adults.

To increase the intensity of Pilates, some individuals opt for reformer Pilates classes, which involve the use of spring systems for added resistance. Ultimately, experts recommend combining strength training with Pilates for a well-rounded fitness regimen.

While there is no set guideline for how often to do Pilates, experts generally recommend doing it twice per week in addition to other workouts. By incorporating Pilates into your routine, you can improve your overall fitness and enjoy the numerous benefits this comprehensive exercise technique has to offer.