The Benefits of Pilates – How Does This Low-Impact Workout Build Muscle and Improve Health?
Are you looking for a low-impact workout that can help build muscle, improve posture and relieve stress? Pilates has been around for over a century and is rapidly growing as one of the most popular forms of exercise for the many benefits it provides. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Pilates and answer the question of whether it can help you build muscle as well as exploring the many other health and fitness benefits it can offer to the modern practitioner.
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that is focused on building strength and toning the body’s muscles while also increasing flexibility, mobility, stability, and posture. The Pilates program works by repetitive movement that targets specific muscle groups which help to increase flexibility and toning. The exercises are typically performed on a yoga mat or a reformer machine, and while it is low-impact, it doesn’t mean it’s an easy workout!
Does Pilates Build Muscle?
According to Lululemon, Pilates will not provide you with increased muscle mass, but it can help increase the tone of already-existing muscles. Generally, muscular hypertrophy (or muscle growth) is best achieved with high-intensity workouts, while Pilates is more suited to low-intensity training focusing on toning. However, when done regularly, Pilates can provide a great complementary program to weight training, especially when it comes to strengthening and toning the core, glutes, triceps and hips.
How Does Pilates Help Tone and Maintain Muscle?
During Pilates, the core is one of the main muscles groups activated and these muscles provide us with the base support needed for the other exercises. Additionally, the glutes are also strongly activated during Pilates workouts which can help with strengthening and tone. Shoulder muscles will also get some much-needed attention during Pilates as many exercises target them.
Other Benefits of Pilates
Pilates offers much more than just toning benefits, with better posture, reduction of back pain and increased energy levels being just some of the other advantages. Pilates can also be a great stress-reliever, helping to reduce cortisol levels and calming the nervous system. Furthermore, menstrual pain or cramps can be lessened with Pilates, and those with physical disabilities can benefit greatly as the exercises can help with increasing control of movement.
Conclusion
Pilates may not be the best exercise for building muscle mass, but that is not to say that this low-impact exercise does not have its benefits. For those looking for improved strength, flexibility, and mobility, then Pilates should definitely be considered. The practice is also great for posture, back relief, reducing stress, and for those with physical disabilities, it can provide increased control of movement.