Staying in shape can be an exciting task when you love the activities you do. Some people enjoy running, dancing, swimming, and more. But even your favorite workouts can lead to injury if you are not careful! Rather than limiting yourself and not giving your best to your favorite fitness hobbies, try Reformer Pilates classes to supplement your workouts.
Reformer Pilates is exclusive in its ability to help prevent fitness injuries common in other types of exercise. It approaches body movement differently, providing support, strength, and endurance invaluable for other tasks. If you want to keep your body safe while exercising, consider adding Pilates to your weekly routine for extra support! Here are five ways it can help.
1. Balance
One of the most common ways people injure themselves during a workout is by placing sudden, intense stress on a region of the body that is not properly balanced. Think of what happens when you do a deadlift but one side handles more of the weight, or you swing at a tennis ball but land on the side of your foot. You might pull your arm muscles too tight or roll your ankle, leading to injury.
Pilates helps to enhance balance, both practically and physically. It contributes to balanced walking by training both sides of the body equally. This prevents overcompensation by one muscle group over another, which can lead to injury. The muscles develop with evenly cultivated endurance and range of movement, so you can count on your body to respond properly when you exercise.
2. Flexibility
Another leading cause of fitness injuries is a lack of flexibility. Studies have shown that a decrease in flexibility by just one centimeter increased the risk of injury by around 6%. Staying flexible means providing ligaments with the malleability they need to move without tearing or straining. Pilates places significant focus on achieving flexible, adaptive movements in various directions.
For instance, many Pilates exercises performed on the reformer cross the core, developing flexibility dynamically. The movements are not just up and down or side to side; they are varied in the same way as daily mobility. You are not a robot that functions in perfectly straight lines; Pilates helps to prevent fitness injuries by training you to move 360 degrees safely.
3. The Mind-Body Connection
Proprioception is the term for a person’s awareness of themselves in space. Knowing how close you are to hitting a table without actually looking to see is an example, and it is a skill that Pilates can cultivate to keep you safe from injury. Poor proprioception is linked to an increased risk of harm because if you do not know where your legs will land or how your body might pivot, you are more likely to make errors in judgment when moving.
Pilates places extreme focus on connecting the mind with the state of the body. You regularly check in with yourself on posture, form, and sensation to make sure you perform the exercises correctly and for the most significant benefit.
This helps you develop more fine-tuned proprioception and connects you with your body’s perceptions, which could alert you to minor pain and discomfort before an almost unnoticeable injury worsens into a severe one.
4. Endurance
Pilates builds endurance by focusing on breath discipline, muscular control, and challenging (but low-impact) exertion. People with low endurance can quickly lose their form during exercise, leading to a greater risk of fitness injuries. You can decrease the chances of harm by building your ability to stay alert and energized during movement.
5. Stability
Joint instability is a common cause of injury; think of how simple it is to sprain your ankle by stepping too far onto the side of your foot. Pilates helps to remedy this issue by training the stabilizer muscles throughout the body.
These small, fast-twitch muscles are difficult to target in standard weightlifting regimens, but they are essential in managing the micro-movements that keep your body aligned. By using Pilates to work these muscles, you can keep your joints supported.
Try Pilates to Enhance Your Fitness Routine
If you are concerned about the potential for injury during your workouts, you are being smart by thinking of ways to reduce your risk. Reformer Pilates is a beneficial, accessible option. You do not need to be a Pilates pro to start reaping the benefits; studies indicate that even low-intensity, beginner-friendly exercises help greatly.
Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a class and see how you can develop your strength, stability, and safety!
