Pilates is a physical exercise recommended in particular to improve balance, muscle tone, flexibility and strength, and to help heal injuries.
- Pilates is a form of strength training with multiple benefits.
- The benefits of Pilates are both therapeutic and preventive.
- Pilates improves physical health but also mental health and well-being.
If the Pilates method has been around for almost 100 years and continues to gain followers, it’s not for nothing. Indeed, this form of exercise and body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates at the beginning of the 20th century, has many health benefits, indicates therapist Judi Bar.
Pilates is particularly recommended in case of lower back pain
Among the principles that guide the Pilates method, the specialist cites concentration on each movement, the use of the muscles of the abdomen and lower back, the fluidity and precision of movements and the control of breathing. All of this improves muscle tone and leads to better balance and greater endurance. But that’s not all !
In case of pain, Pilates is a great help and the practice can help recover from an existing injury or manage a chronic musculoskeletal problem. This is especially the case for relieving lower back pain, as shown these 2015 studies And of 2020. Judi Bar explains: “Pilates relieves lower back pain because apart from tight muscles, lower back pain is also due to misalignment and lack of core strength.”
Pilates: it helps the body to retain its youth
Additionally, Pilates helps improve flexibility, which can protect against injury, help muscles relax, and help maintain good mobility and range of motion, which decline with age.
In addition, flexibility is accompanied by an improvement in proprioception (awareness of space). “This results in more efficient and balanced movements and a reduced risk of falls or other accidents.”, explains the expert.
One of the reasons Pilates is such a good workout, Judi Bar reminds, is that it focuses specifically on strengthening the core, which includes the stomach area, sides, middle and lower back. back, buttocks and hips. However, a solid and well-aligned core facilitates good posture, which can have a positive impact on many aspects of life at any age, says Judi Bar.
Pilates is good for body and soul
The benefits of Pilates also come from the fact that it uses the breath, just like meditation and yoga, which increases the attention paid to the body.
“This attention will help you understand your body better, for example: What are the strongest muscles and how do they compensate for weaker muscles elsewhere? This knowledge can help you better understand the signals your body sends you every day. ”, explains Judi Bar.
Moreover, the research shows that becoming aware of and controlling your breathing can not only deepen a stretch or achieve a higher level of performance – it can also reduce stress. “If you let the breathing training you receive in a Pilates class trickle down to your daily life, you may be better able to handle difficult situations and emotions.”says the expert.
This is why Pilates is recommended to take care of your overall health, physical and mental.
