What is Pilates & 19 Benefits of Pilates That Will Help Your Core

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 7 min read

Pilates is a form of exercise that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a form of low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles of the body and improving posture, flexibility, and balance. There are numerous benefits to practicing Pilates, including improved muscle strength, better posture, increased flexibility, improved balance and coordination, and improved mental clarity. Additionally, Pilates may help reduce stress levels, improve circulation, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is a form of low-impact exercise that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. It is designed to target the deep abdominal and back muscles, as well as the hips, thighs, and buttocks. By using special equipment, such as the Reformer, Pilates exercises may be adapted for anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

The primary benefit of Pilates is the strengthening of the core muscles. Your core muscles are the muscles that surround your torso and support your spine. Strengthening these muscles helps to improve your posture, reduce back pain, and improve your balance and coordination. Additionally, regular Pilates may help to improve your flexibility, as the exercises involve stretching of the muscles. 

Below are some of the benefits of pilates:

1. Improved posture: Pilates encourages you to learn how to use your core muscles to better support your spine, helping you to look taller and feel more confident.

2. Increased flexibility: Pilates may help you improve your range of motion, enabling you to move more freely.

3. Reduced stress: The focus on breathing and the slow, mindful movements of Pilates may help you relax and let go of stress.

4. Increased strength: Pilates exercises are designed to strengthen your core and entire body, improving your overall fitness.

5. Improved balance: Pilates helps you to gain better control of your body, increasing balance and coordination.

6. Improved breathing: Pilates teaches you how to use your breath to support your movements and relax your body.

7. Reduced back pain: By strengthening the muscles in your core, Pilates may help to reduce back pain and improve your overall posture.

8. Increased core stability: Pilates will help you to develop your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, improving your core stability and balance.

9. Improved coordination: Pilates teaches you how to move your arms and legs in a coordinated fashion, helping to improve your overall coordination.

10. Improved concentration: Pilates requires you to focus on your movements and breathing, improving your concentration and focus.

11. Improved circulation: The slow, controlled movements of Pilates help to improve blood flow throughout your body.

12. Increased body awareness: Pilates will help you to become more aware of your body, providing you with improved body control and movement.

13. Improved bone health: Pilates exercises may help to strengthen your bones and improve overall bone health.

14. Improved sports performance: Pilates may help to improve your performance in any sport, enhancing your strength, balance, and coordination.

15. Improved overall fitness: Pilates is a great way to build overall fitness, helping you to improve your strength, flexibility, and stamina.

16. Improved quality of life: Pilates may help you to live a healthier, more active lifestyle, improving your overall quality of life.

17. Reduced risk of injury: Pilates may help to prevent injuries by improving your posture, strengthening your muscles, and increasing flexibility.

18. Improved mental health: Pilates may help to reduce anxiety and depression, providing a sense of peace and well-being.

19. Improved self-esteem: By improving your posture and overall body strength, Pilates may help you to feel more confident and have a better overall self-image.

Conclusion

Overall, Pilates is an excellent form of exercise that can provide numerous benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, improved posture, and improved mental clarity. Additionally, it may help to reduce stress levels and promote overall well being. For these reasons, Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for those looking to improve their physical and mental health.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.