What is Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method focused on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core control, stability, and posture while incorporating breathwork. It was developed by Josepth Pilates in the early 20th century.

Why I Love This System of Movement!

I love this particiular system of movement because it involves precise, controlled movements that focus on strengthening the deep muscles of the torso (the "powerhouse"). It is safe, efficient, builds our strength, and helps prevent injuries and is often used to rehabilitate injury. What's not to love? It has a multitude of benefits for our bodies that will help us age with greater strength and improved balance and stability.

Benefits of Pilates:

• Core Strength: Pilates primarily focuses on the deep abdominal muscles, helping to build a strong, stable core. This enhances overall strength and protects the spine.
  
• Improved Posture: Pilates emphasizes proper alignment and body awareness, leading to better posture.
  
• Flexibility & Mobility: Pilates exercises lengthen and stretch muscles, improving overall flexibility.
  
• Balance & Coordination: Many Pilates exercises challenge balance and stability, helping to improve coordination and body awareness.
  
• Injury Prevention: Pilates strengthens the smaller, stabilizing muscles, which can help prevent injuries by providing better support for larger muscle groups.
  
• Mind-Body Connection: Pilates encourages mindfulness and concentration on movement, helping participants focus on the body and breath.

Why You Might Not Feel Like You Are Getting a Powerful Workout.

First, let me just say, feelings are fleeting and fickle. You can rarely trust them.

Now, I've always been one who loves a "good workout", usually defined by a sweat drenched shirt. But that's the "old school" mindset in me that tries to raise it's head every once in a while. Afterall, I am that generation of the 80's high intensity aerobic exercise classes.

It's been imprinted on our pschye to beleive that if we are not feeling exhausted during a workout then we must not be working hard enough. Rubbish! This is actually a dangerous way of approaching our workouts. We need to be in tune with our bodies and our minds to know what it really needs.

Don't get me wrong. High intensity workouts are beneficial to our physical wellness. Yes, we need to improve our cardio vascular fitness! However, research indicates we need less volume of high intensity workouts than one might first think. This is especially true and even more crucial as we age. Thats where high intensity interval training comes into play. But that's a topic for another day.

So don't let the label of "low impact" trick you into thinking that Pilates is not a powerful technique! The power of pilates lies in the fact that it will ignite your internal muscles and fire up your powerhouse in efficient and effective ways. This may not seem obvious in the moment of the movement but it will become evident over time.

Here's How:

1. Deep Muscle Activation Takes Time

• Pilates targets deep stabilizing muscles (like the core, pelvic floor, and postural muscles) rather than the large, superficial muscles that produce immediate power.
• Unlike high-intensity workouts, where you feel an immediate burn or sweat, Pilates builds strength and endurance slowly and subtly.

2. Focus on Control Over Intensity

• The emphasis is on slow, controlled movements, rather than fast, high-impact exercises that create an instant sensation of exertion.
• You might not feel "worked out" right away, but the benefits come later as muscles adapt and strengthen.

3. Core Engagement Can Be Subtle

• Unlike crunches or heavy lifting, Pilates engages the core in a way that may not feel intense at the moment but leads to improved stability, posture, and strength over time.

4. Neuromuscular Connection is Developing

• Pilates requires mind-body awareness, and if you're new to it, your body may take time to develop the connection between movement, breath, and muscle engagement.
• As you practice more, you’ll start feeling the engagement more quickly and effectively.

5. Benefits Are More Noticeable After Class

• Many people notice the effects hours or even days later in the form of:
  ✅ Improved posture
  ✅ Less tension in the back, shoulders, and neck
  ✅ Better flexibility and mobility
  ✅ Feeling taller and more aligned
  ✅ Increased core awareness in daily movements

6. Adaptation & Progression Take Time

• Pilates is a progressive practice—the more you do it, the more you feel it.
• Over time, movements that once felt subtle will start feeling more intense and effective as your body learns to recruit the right muscles.
  

Let the power of pilates move and empower you!