Try Pilates! You May End Up Loving It!

By Donna Stark

You've heard that yoga, tai chi, and aquatic exercises are good options to choose from when you want a low-impact exercise, but have you heard the same for Pilates? And if not, are you interested in learning more? Pilates is a form of exercise that most people can do. It's a low-impact, full-body workout that strengthens the body's muscles, improves posture, supports proper alignment, and increases flexibility. And with benefits like those, you simply can't go wrong with it. Let's take a look at these benefits a little bit closer below.

Strengthens Muscles

The movements and poses you hold during a Pilates session are designed to help build strength and tone muscles. Pilates tends to target your core muscles the most, but don't think that only means your abs. In Pilates, the core also includes your back, hips, and thighs. In addition to those body parts, you can expect your arms, glutes, and lower legs to get their fair share of a workout too!

Improves Posture

The strength of the muscles in your abdominals and back play a huge role in how you hold and carry your body throughout your days. The stronger those muscles are the better your posture will be. With Pilates, you can look forward to improved posture and proper alignment because the stronger core muscles will reduce a lot of the stress and strain in your body. Since your muscles will be able to relax and move more freely, your body won't be pulled out of alignment as easily.

Increases Flexibility

Although Pilates isn't focused on flexibility as much as yoga is, you can bet that yours will still improve. That's because Pilates requires you to engage in precise, controlled movements and to hold certain positions for as long as possible. If you are new to Pilates, these positions and movements may be a challenge, but don't worry! By lengthening and expanding your muscles, it won't be long before your flexibility increases. Before you know it, you may even become a master Pilates student!

Join a Class

The next time you are looking for a low-impact workout, don't automatically run to yoga, walking, or swimming. Try something new and consider signing up for a Pilates class! Pilates classes are fun and challenging, and may be exactly what your body needs! Be careful though, because if you like it too much, you may end up wanting to stay well past the end of class!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pooler, Ga.