Here’s a serious question, is pilates girly? Be honest, promise we won’t hate you for it.
Whenever pilates comes to mind, you’re probably thinking of a group of women in their cute little gym outfits, doing push-ups on colorful mats. It’s an inevitable image because the sad truth is, pilates is branded as a “girl thing”. But is it really?
In the health and fitness world, pilates is one of those workouts that have a certain reputation. Think barre, zumba, yoga, or even aerobics.
A lot of people tend to think that way simply because they see more women doing such workouts than men. But actually, there’s no rule that claims pilates as a women-only workout.
Pilates is for everyone and more people should think about giving it a try! Beyond the gender biases, it is a full-body workout that can truly transform one’s physical appearance.
While it’s true that pilates seems to be more popular among women, that doesn’t mean that men can’t benefit from it. In fact, we think that men should start adding a few pilates moves into their workout routine. But before we start jumping into the why’s, let’s first discover what pilates is…
What Is Pilates?
Did you know that pilates was actually developed by a man? Physical trainer, Joseph Pilates, created this exercise for rehabilitation purposes. On top of that, pilates was first practiced by soldiers who were returning from war. That should be enough proof that pilates isn’t limited to women only!
As a form of workout, pilates is a low-impact full-body exercise. It focuses on promoting flexibility and building core strength to improve overall physical health. But unlike other forms of exercise, pilates isn’t fast-paced.
It involves slow and precise movements that target certain areas of the body. Additionally, breath control is also very important when performing pilates workouts. Since each workout typically lasts for 30-40 minutes, being able to control one’s breath ensures correct muscle activation, apart from one’s safety.
And contrary to common belief, pilates doesn’t require expensive equipment to start out. A mat is preferable as most of the moves will require you to work the floor. Apart from your usual workout apparel, you don’t need anything else.
That said, it’s also important to note that there are two types of pilates exercises – mat and reformer. The former, as the name suggests, involves movements performed on a mat. This is the more popular option among beginners. Reformer pilates, on the other hand, is targeted towards more advanced practitioners as it involves using the reformer equipment.
What Is Pilates Good For?
What makes pilates special and different from the rest, you ask? Well if there’s one thing that may entice you to try it out, it’s the versatility of pilates.
It’s a low-impact workout that delivers strong results – it builds strength, improves your flexibility, and your posture at the same time. Plus it can also be a very efficient cardio workout. You can even get creative with it and develop your own personal routine! But don’t just take our word for it, get to know more about the amazing benefits of pilates below…
Core Strength
As mentioned before, pilates is focused on strengthening your core muscles. Plenty of the movements involved in pilates target the abs, making it the best workout for those who want a clearly defined tummy. In fact, one certain study found that just 12 weeks of pilates shows positive results in improving core strength.
Pilates exercises challenge your stability and balance which involves pushing your midsection to work. This is perhaps one of the reasons why many choose this workout to truly sculpt their bodies. Of course, this does not mean that cardio is all about targeting the tummy alone. Pilates simply requires a stronger core to enhance its full-body results.
Flexibility
Most people look to yoga to improve their flexibility, but pilates is also a good contender when it comes to flexibility training. This is perhaps one of the reasons why pilates is popular among figure skaters and dancers.
The best thing about pilates is its versatility. You benefit from both the stretching and muscle strengthening exercises involved. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. This is where men can also benefit from pilates. Most exercises tend to put a lot of tension on the muscles, but part of pilates is also about loosening tight muscles.
Posture
Flexibility and muscle strengthening aren’t the only factors involved in pilates. Proper posture is also key to achieving better results. Not only does it keep you safe from possible accidents, but it also helps you maintain your balance and overall good physical alignment. Plus keeping a good posture is also great for flaunting how much your body has transformed!
Cardio
At first glance, pilates is all about building strength rather than cardio. Those who are looking to burn fat may think that pilates wouldn’t help them get their desired results.
But the beauty of pilates is that it can easily be a cardiovascular workout as well. Incorporating cardio moves such as jumping or jogging in place can pump up your exercise routine. When done right, not only do you get to lose the flab, but you also get abs in the end.
Is Pilates Good For You?
Now that you know all the potential benefits of pilates, the next question is whether or not it is the right workout for you. While pilates can definitely improve your overall physical health, some people may not enjoy how repetitive the workouts are. If you’re the type who would like a bit more variety in their workouts, then pilates may not be for you.
Of course, there are ways to mix it all up, but most of the foundational movements in pilates remain the same. Working out to your favorite songs may also spice things up.
Another important thing to note is that you will feel inevitably feel sore after a workout. You will definitely feel the burn during and after the workout. That said, those with physical conditions may need the advice of a medical expert before trying out a pilates workout.