Pilates is a exercise that is similar to yoga, but with different benefits

Although the movements may look similar, yoga and pilates are two different things. Pilates is a more modern version of yoga. Pilates was first developed in the twentieth century by a veteran German athlete named Joseph Pilates, as a form of physical exercise that focuses on rehabilitation and strengthening of the body.

What do you do during Pilates?

The principle of Pilates is to unite the understanding between body and soul so that they can work together to help you in your daily life. To achieve this harmony between the body and mind, Pilates involves regular breathing techniques, balance and posture exercises, concentration concentration, and exercises to control movement and muscle strength.

Pilates exercise involves a series of slow but focused movements accompanied by deep breathing. Each movement is designed to flow and focus on using good and accurate muscles to ensure your body is constantly moving to improve movement coordination, breathing patterns and body awareness.

In fact, during pilates, you are encouraged to inhale and exhale deeply and thoroughly as if to help detoxify the body. Oxygen intake plays an important role in the smooth circulation of blood which helps maintain overall body health.

In addition to restoring the body after injury or strengthening weak joints, Pilates improves muscle strength and flexibility as well as body balance. Pilates has also been used for many years to improve posture.

Pilates benefits are…

For those of you who are curious to try Pilates but are still unsure about its benefits, see this article to find out more about the many benefits of Pilates for the body.

However, if your main goal is injury rehabilitation, you should first consult with your doctor about your intention to try a Pilates routine.

1. Strengthens the core muscles of the body

Many people think that working out your core muscles is the same as building a six-pack abs. Don't get me wrong. Strengthening your core is one of the most sought-after Pilates benefits.

The core muscles are a series of muscles that stretch from the lower chest muscles, abdomen, back, to the muscles around the pelvis. Core muscles are involved in almost every movement of the human body.

Weak or inflexible core muscles can interfere with motion function and the range of motion of the arms and legs, and can be draining from any movement you make. Properly training your core muscles can increase their strength. Having strong core muscles means that your body will be more stable and sturdy.

2. Correcting posture

As explained above, strong core muscles (including the abdominal and back muscles) are essential to make it easier for you to perform everyday tasks, such as carrying small children and carrying heavy objects.

Pilates trains the muscles of your lower back, hips, stomach and pelvis, which are the center of gravity for your body, so they can work in harmony. Pilates supports your core muscles to stabilize your body's coordination, so you can maintain good posture while sitting or standing. Good posture also makes you appear taller, and leaner, which in turn boosts your overall confidence.

More importantly, stabilizing the core of the body through pilates also reduces spine wear. Pilates allows you to take in more oxygen while breathing, which gives you a stable and good posture, as well as honing your fine motor skills. Sharp motor skills make you more responsive and balanced on unstable surfaces, such as on slippery roads or steep inclines.

3. Prevent and reduce pain from injury

Prolonged sitting and minimal exercise weakens the muscles in your midsection. Once your core muscles are weakened, a wrong pillow or even the slightest sprain can cause you to suffer from prolonged pain - not to mention there is an equally large risk of recurrent pain.

Pilates lengthens and strengthens muscles, increases muscle elasticity, and improves joint mobility. A body with a balance of strength and flexibility will be more immune and / or will heal faster from injury.

That's why many people with chronic low back pain choose to practice Pilates, which has been shown to speed healing after four weeks of training sessions when compared to those who visit a specialist alone, said a study published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Moreover, the pain completely disappeared for a full year after the pilates routine.

4. Sharpen focus

Pilates seems very easy to do, but it actually requires a high level of concentration. Pilates is centered on harmonizing mind, body, and breath control so you can focus more on every movement you make so you don't fall over or hurt yourself in the middle of a pose.

In addition, when Chinese researchers measured changes in women's brain activity after 10 weeks of pilates, they found an increase in brain cognitive function related to neural network activity, memory performance, and other cognitive functions.

5. Improve the quality of sex

In a sense, pilates involves movements similar to Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Stronger pelvic muscles can give you a more intense orgasm.

In addition, the benefits of strengthening the pelvic muscles of Pilates do not end in bed alone. If you are trying to get pregnant, strong pelvic floor muscles can make it easier for you to push the baby during labor.