Thursday, 1st August 2019
If you exercise regularly, whether group sports, running or gym workouts, you might not be thinking about starting something new. But did you know Pilates offers great benefits, even if you already work out?
Whatever your preference when it comes to training, we’re always looking to improve, whether that’s to run faster, lift heavier weights or score more goals. And Pilates can help you get there!
Often mistaken for Yoga, Pilates uses body-conditioning techniques to improve your strength, core stability and posture. Here’s how it can help you, whatever exercise you prefer…
Running
If you’re a runner you may be aiming to get a PB in your next race or increase your long-distance mileage. So how can Pilates help you? Stability is key when it comes to good technique, as even a slight imbalance can increase the risk of injury because of running’s repetitive nature. Pilates focuses on improving your core strength, balance and alignment, in turn improving your technique. Even a small improvement can make a big impact!
Weight lifting
You perhaps wouldn’t have put Pilates and weight lifting together, but it can be really beneficial. Whether you want to lose weight, tone up or build muscle, Pilates can complement heavy lifting. It strengthens your core (reducing the chance of back injuries), it improves flexibility (which stretches and lengthens muscles) and it targets supporting muscles (improving your overall tone and strength).
Football
If you prefer football boots to gym shoes, you’re probably wondering how Pilates can help. As we’ve mentioned, Pilates can improve your running technique and strengthen your core, but did you know it can improve your joint stability too? The multi-directional nature of footy can mean your body has to absorb impact through a range of movements and directions. Pilates strengthens the supporting muscles around your joints to help keep you injury-free – especially when fatigue kicks in towards the end of a match.
Everything else
You don’t have to take up another sport or exercise to feel the benefits of Pilates. It’s a great all-rounder that anyone can join in. You already know it’s great for building core strength and improving flexibility and joint strength, but it also helps to create a relationship between mind and body, improving your concentration, focus and breathing, boosting your mental health in the process.
We offer several Pilates classes across our leisure centres throughout the week, why not come and give it a try. Click here to view our class timetable.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO TRY ANY OF OUR CLASSES FREE FOR A WEEK, SIGN UP FOR A SEVEN DAY PASS – CLICK HERE.