Pilates is a form of sculpting and strength training. The original pilates exercises were designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and they were created for dancers. Today, pilates is popular for creating a long, lean, muscular body without bulk. Pilates can be done with just a mat or in a studio using specialty machines for resistance.
Core Strength
Pilates exercises stretch, lengthen and tone muscles, particularly through the abdomen and back. According to the American Council of Exercise, pilates is one of the most challenging and effective ways to build core strength and stability. A stronger core can improve your posture, coordination and body awareness. Improved posture and flexibility will help you look slimmer, even as you're working on weight loss. Strengthening your back and abdominal muscles can prevent injury, according to WebMD.
Aerobic Benefits
Aerobic exercise offers calorie-burning and cardiovascular benefits. However, you need to get your heart rate up to burn calories and lose weight. A study by the American Council of Exercise showed that a beginner-level 50-minute pilates mat workout burned only 175 calories and a more advanced workout burned 254 calories. Increasing the tempo of your pilates workout may improve the calorie burn, suggests Pilates for Weight Loss. Increased resistance when working on pilates equipment, as opposed to working on a mat, may add a challenge to your workout. Pilates exercises can help you with toning, strength and flexibility while burning calories, but you may want to supplement pilates with a more aerobic exercise to increase the number of calories you burn.
Mental Benefits
While pilates may not be the best calorie burner, it does offer some of the mind-body benefits associated with yoga, tai-chi and similar exercises. Improved body awareness will help you to feel more in tune and be more conscientious about your movements and stance, according to WebMD. Fitness Magazine calls pilates a confidence booster that will help you to feel powerful and graceful. The focus required for pilates exercises can keep you interested and leave you relaxed after your workout. Together, those benefits may help to keep you feeling good and focused on your plan to get healthier and lose weight.
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