Pilates is a full-body exercise method that will help you do everything better. It strengthens and stabilizes your core body, which is your foundation so that you can move efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility.
And if you’re looking for functional movement—the kind that helps you move better on a day-to-day basis with everyday tasks—Pilates can train you in that too. People who practice Pilates one to three times a week for eight weeks see a remarkable improvement in balance, stability, and mobility.
Then there are the muscle benefits—especially in the endurance realm. Regular practice will show a significant increase in abdominal endurance hamstring flexibility and upper-body muscular endurance. Research has theorized that the scapular stabilization cues throughout the moves (when you’re told to bring your shoulder blades together or down), combined with the increase in core strength and endurance, can translate to upper-body strength improvements.
Pilates has also been found to have a beneficial effect on mental health. Those who practice Pilates report a reduction in symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety and an increase in energy. Pilates is all about the mind-body connection and can be a great introduction to both physical and mental endurance.