Do you experience lower back and hip pain? Are you not as flexible as you used to be? If so, your core could be a major contributor. The core muscles in the abdominal area are responsible for everything from twisting to pulling on the hips to keep them in alignment. Improving core strength is one of the significant focuses of Pilates for men (and of course, women, too!), and it can go a long way toward boosting your quality of life.
However, strengthening the core is just one of the many ways that Pilates can enhance your everyday movements. From making you more flexible to bringing a greater awareness of your body in space, there is plenty to love about Pilates and the reformer.
Here are the basics so you can decide how Pilates fits into your exercise routine, whether you are a complete newbie or a seasoned workout artist.
Core-Strengthening Mechanisms in Pilates
The core is central to the rest of the body’s movement. Keeping it strong allows your spine and hips to rest in the correct positions; otherwise, nearby muscles must compensate for the weakness in the core, leading to pulling and twisting that may lead to back pain.
Pilates addresses core weakness in various ways. First, of course, is directly via exercise. By using the core muscles, they become stronger over time. However, this is far from the only mechanism by which Pilates can enhance your core.
The controlled, precise movements used during Pilates trigger the stabilizer muscles, which are smaller, deeper muscles responsible for creating smooth, even movement. By strengthening these supports and the larger core muscles, you can enjoy a more resilient core ready for movement.
The Relationship Between Pilates and Movement
While Pilates can increase your strength, it is not just about getting strong. This method of exercise approaches your movement abilities holistically by addressing:
Stability
As mentioned previously, the stabilizer muscles are an important target for Pilates workouts. Your entire body is filled with them, not just your core. Working these small helpers provides greater stability in everything you do. You may stay on your feet more effectively, pivot correctly during movement, and lift heavy things with a lower risk of injury or strain. Staying stable is essential for comfort, physical ability, and safety.
Endurance
A large portion of a person’s physical abilities, such as enjoying active hobbies, comes from endurance. Endurance describes how long a person can keep going and relies on a combination of oxygen use, muscular tolerance, and mental state.
Pilates enhances everyday movement by gradually but noticeably building endurance. Holding a plank or maintaining balance during exercises places low-impact demands on the muscles and breathing, helping them become more efficient and tolerant over time.
Awareness
Very few people consider how their perceptions of themselves affect how they move daily. The ability to understand your location in space is called proprioception, and it is what stops you from stubbing your toes (most of the time) on everything in a room without needing to look at your feet. It is how you can reach for your cup of coffee without looking at it first.
Pilates significantly enhances awareness. By asking you to focus on the shapes and forms of your body during each exercise, you become increasingly attuned to what you feel, where you are, and how your intentions directly correlate to movement. This is invaluable for everyday life, as it can help you handle tasks or maneuver challenges that may have taken more effort before.
Strength
Pilates is about more than strength, but there is no denying that strength is a big part of what it can contribute to your life. A person who is stronger than they were before has new opportunities for activities, hobbies, or even simple at-home tasks, such as cooking and taking care of pets. Strength does not need to be measured in how much weight you can lift; use Pilates to help your body perform the daily tasks you hope to achieve, and you have accomplished something important.
Try Pilates to Enhance Your Everyday Activities
Do you want to boost your ability to move and do the things you want to do every day? It often starts with the core. The good news is that Pilates is a complete tool that can enhance your core strength and improve how you move overall.
Contact RTR Pilates to try a beginner class, even if you have never seen a reformer or done a single Pilates exercise. Our friendly instructors will make sure you reap the benefits with easy-to-follow guidance.