How Good Is Pilates For Dropping Those Extra Pounds?

For someone who is watching, Pilates seems easier than cardio workouts or weight training any day. Only someone who has done it can tell you how difficult those movements are you will end up feeling the impact on muscles you did not even know you had. 

Thus, Pilates is a great option to burn calories any day, but it is one of the best ways to tone up as well. Its other benefits go way beyond weight loss and toning. Pilates movements are relaxing on another level, which means they are great as a part of your self-care routine. In this day and age of living our whole lives in front of a computer screen, we mostly forget that our spine needs the right kind of movement. 

There are many other muscles which do not get moved in conventional exercises and begin to develop stiffness. Pilates addresses all this and hence is a must for anyone looking to preserve their fitness and youth.

Did you know that there are sub-forms within Pilates as well? Mostly what people call Pilates is the Romana’s Pilates, which features exercises that Joseph Pilates (the founder) developed. Nowadays many studios have developed exercises forms that do feature movements and techniques from this style but not completely. 

Exercises which are done on a sliding platform, the reformer, are endorsed by many supermodels and celebrities, and have quickly captured the fancy of the masses. While this or the movements done on a mat are not necessarily superior to one another for weight loss, what experts suggest is to get a trainer who really knows his Pilates and can design a hardcore, impactful workout for you, not just some slow stretches. That is what makes all the difference.

If you are looking at toning up your muscles, this is a great option. Every move engages the core and targets every muscle group in your body, helping them get in shape. Added benefits are more strength and flexibility. Even if you do not wish to replace your gym routine completely with Pilates, it is a good idea to increase strength and flexibility, to minimise the risk of injury from other high-impact workouts. The added perks of Pilates include Improving your posture and range of motion, which will help you immensely in your daily life as well.

Now that you know about the holistic approach of this low-impact exercise form towards health and fitness, when are you hitting the nearest Pilates studio?