Chances are you know at least one friend who is completely obsessed with Pilates – and for good reason! In this article, I’ll shed some light on why Pilates isn’t just a trend, but a total game changer for boosting health, physical performance, appearance, and longevity. But first, let’s be sure you know what Pilates is and what it isn’t.
Pilates ISN’T:
- Doing a million sit ups, crunches, or planks
- High impact
- It’s not considered cardio, although your HR should increase
- Just for people who are in excellent physical condition
Pilates IS:
- A low-impact way to improve your fitness that combines strengthening and flexibility with a special emphasis on targeting your core muscles
- Pilates can be done using equipment called a reformer, or traditionally using your body weight which we refer to as mat Pilates
- Pilates is accessible for almost anyone to enjoy and benefit from no matter where they are physically
Now that we have the big picture, let’s talk about WHY it seems like everyone you know (particularly women 50+) is so big on Pilates.
First, Pilates meets you where you are. There isn’t a steep learning curve or barrier to entry. You don’t have to learn any new dance moves, or have a high level of fitness, or the best flexibility. You show up as you are, where you are and end up surprising yourself with what you can do.
Next, and closely related to number one, Pilates is a major confidence booster. You may start to see yourself differently once you realize what you can physically accomplish. Pilates can be as challenging as you make it, but it’s perfect for beginners who don’t have a lot of exercise experience.
After that, it would be that Pilates is a sustainable form of fitness. It’s not like tennis or running where you might have to give it up after a while. Pilates is evergreen and something you can always come back to because of the low-impact nature.
The most obvious reason people love Pilates is the visible change to your appearance and physique (plus, you just feel so darn good!) Because Pilates focuses on core strength, it improves your posture and body alignment as well.
Lastly, Pilates is a great way to stay strong and resilient as we get older. It’s a great option for people who have suffered injuries in the past like back pain or degenerative conditions and want to stay active but are also selective about how they do that. Pilates at Tandem is especially good for this crowd because our instructors are also therapists with a wealth of knowledge in that area.
So, there you have it – the secrets behind what the Pilates buzz is all about! Maybe by reading all the way through, you found your own reason to get started. If you’re interested in learning more about Pilates and want to know how to get started with us, call our Metairie office at (504) 407-3477. Or, get started by requesting our FREE Pilates Guide “5 Ways to Tell If Pilates Is Right For You, and How To Match With The Best Studio.” Click HERE to claim your free guide!
