Pilates has many benefits, one of which is body toning. Performing the Pilates exercises, you can build toned muscles without building bulk (unlike strength training).
The goal of Pilates is to create long, strong muscles which in turn give your body more flexibility and toned muscles.
Pilates is a system of therapeutic exercises that are designed to simultaneously stretch and strengthen, while creating balance in the body.
The focus is to integrate the core muscles that support the spine with the upper and lower body, therefore using the body as a whole and not dividing it into separate parts.
It centers the body with breath awareness and concentration with every movement. The series of rhythmic exercises promotes good posture, lean musculature, coordination, and balance.
The combined mental and physical processes (body/mind awareness) results in a reconnection of brain to muscle pathways, which enhance performance create physical grace of movement.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Pilates?
The amount of time it takes to see results from Pilates depends on a few factors:
- How many times you perform the exercises per week
- If you are recovering from an injury
- Whether you are taking private or group Pilates classes or home exercises
It’s recommended to participate in Pilates classes (private or group) 2-3 times a week and normally, you should begin to feel the benefits of Pilates (i.e. more flexibility, improved balance and strengthening) within 2 – 3 weeks.
It will take several more weeks to see the results of Pilates in your muscles so don’t expect to have toned arms or legs within the first month.
But if you continue with the exercises, you will eventually see the results!
What Will Pilates Do For My Body?
The long term effects of Pilates are significant. Very much like weight lifting and strength training – it will change your body.
The goal of Pilates, as I mentioned earlier is to create long, strong muscles which result in an overall leaner look.
The specific exercises in Pilates work beautifully to improve your muscle tone and flexibility – which can make you feel healthier, younger and more energetic.
The list of benefits of Pilates exercises includes:
- It’s adaptable to almost any fitness level – no matter what age you are or if you’ve never exercised before – you can do Pilates exercises. We do recommend to get private instructions at first (especially if you have never exercised). Every “body” is different and a trained Pilates instructor can help you identify what your limitations may be (if any) and how to proceed with the exercises to your best benefit.
- Increased flexibility – very much like Yoga, Pilates helps to safely stretch your muscles and improve your overall range of motion.
- Improves your core strength – for many adults, the loss of their core strength is extremely common and a main factor that contributes to falls that are often associated with aging. Pilates exercises strengthen those core muscles.
- Improves your posture – when your core muscles are strengthened, your overall posture is improved. One works in tandem with the other.
- Decreased muscle pain – if you are experiencing neck, shoulder or back pain – the most common cause is due to weakened muscles. If this is your case – then Pilates exercises will greatly help you to relieve those aching muscles.
- Pilates works the entire body – the exercises in Pilates are not specific to any one body part. In other words – the exercises give your entire body a workout.
All these benefits help you to look better, feel better and perform your daily tasks with greater ease!
Does Pilates Tighten Loose Skin?
The Pilates exercises don’t necessarily “tighten” loose skin on your body – what they actually do is tighten the muscles that are under your skin.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight and as a result are dealing with a large amount of loose skin – Pilates alone will not tighten that skin.
Pilates At ABove Physical Therapy
Here, at ABove Physical Therapy in Suwanee, Ga. we offer 3 options to our clients who are interested in Pilates exercises.
Private Pilates Sessions (55 minutes)
If you are new to Pilates we recommend at least a few private sessions (one-on-one) with one of our trained Pilates instructors. This will get you more comfortable with the routine that will work for your specific goals and your specific body.
Semi-Private Pilates Sessions (55 minutes)
In our semi-private sessions – one of our instructors will work with you and one other client. Sharing the experience of the exercises with another person can help to motivate you through the routine and you may just make yourself another friend!
Trio Pilates Sessions (55 minutes)
In our sessions – one of our instructors will work with you and two other clients throughout the session. This is a great way to share the cost of a Pilates session and to work with others for motivation and inspiration.
Each session is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the client. Pilates instructors can focus on toning particular areas of the body, rehabilitating an injury, bringing relaxation and strength to the body, or activity-specific training such as dance, martial arts, or a particular sport.
The Benefits Of Pilates For Athletes
The benefits of Pilates are so complimentary to most any type of sport – which is why many professional athletes and teams use it as part of their training regime.
Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, Pilates can help you to perform better in your sport and to help you minimize injury. After all, improved flexibility and core strength are two factors that can keep your body stronger and more resilient to the demands of your sport.
Below are just a few of the professional athletes who are using Pilates!
Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta
“I just got two Pilates machines, like four or five days ago, so now that’s going to be a huge part of my daily routine regardless of where I am during the week. I use it for flexibility and recovery purposes. And I do a lot of work on the TRX (suspension training).” – espn.com
Real Salt Lake MLS Soccer Midfielder Kyle Beckerman
“I’ve been doing Pilates for a while. It’s an essential part of my workout regimen. When my teammates saw the results I was having and tried it themselves, they realized this was something they also had to have.” Balanced Body
New Jersey Devils Winger Lee Stempniak
“Pilates was part of a revamped off-season routine that helped Stempniak progress from a precarious professional tryout to leading the Devils in scoring with perhaps the finest season of his 10-year career.” Toronto Sun
12 time Olympic Swimming Champion Natalie Coughlin
“You can do so much on the Pilates chair. You can work out your arms, your legs, your core. And it doesn’t really take up much room.” Espn.com
Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett
“From the first time that I did it, it just made sense to me… Pilates has a way of finding your weakness and showing you what you need to be working on. I feel that a standard football workout uses the major, dynamic muscles, but not the smaller, supporting muscles that hold up the bigger ones. That’s where Pilates comes in for me.” AshleyBensonFitness.com
Conclusion
Whether you are looking to improve your overall health, your athletic abilities or in search of pain relief from a physical problem – Pilates may be able to help you.
At ABove Physical Therapy – we have found that Pilates has helped many of our patients who are dealing with the following issues:
- Arthritis Pain
- Sciatica
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Pelvic and Spinal Instability
- Whiplash Injuries
- Herniated Discs
- Meniscal Tears
- Joint Instability
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Walking and Running Problems
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Shoulder Instability
- Pelvic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
If you are dealing with any of these issues – give us a call at 770-904-2332 with your questions about Pilates and how we can help you.
