When people think of working out, they usually envision people with huge muscles lifting weights at the gym. While that can be a valuable activity for some people, it is far from the only way to build strength. In fact, many people find that their Reformer Pilates classes contribute to their overall wellness and physical abilities more than other types of exercise do.
For many, the most significant benefits of Pilates are a gradual increase in strength and a boost in stability. These advantages are not just good for your body; they can also help you build confidence in yourself, how you look, and how you move. Here are the basics of how Pilates can help.
Pilates and Developing Strength
Research has shown consistently over many years that Pilates is directly correlated with notable increases in strength and improvements in body condition. For studies, “strength” is usually measured by the body’s ability to perform specific tasks. For example, participants may be asked to do as many push-ups as possible in a particular time frame. Then, at the end of the study, they do the same again; if their reps increase by any margin greater than chance, their strength is considered to have increased.
Such measurement can be flexible: the PSI a person generates while squeezing something, how much weight they can lift, and more. However, no matter the measurement, research indicates that Pilates improves a person’s ability to manage such tasks.
How? Pilates trains the muscles gradually over time. This means increasing the density of the muscular tissue, which corresponds to the body’s increased awareness and use of its muscles. In other words, your muscles learn to work together to support movements rather than putting all of the stress on a single muscle group. This results in more effective and safer movements.
Increasing Stability With Pilates
Strength is not the only advantage of Pilates. One of its significant positive points is how it can improve stability more than many other forms of exercise. What is stability? You can think of stability as your body’s ability to stand up to force evenly. Yes, it describes being able to stay on your feet when you are on a boat swaying side to side. However, it also means that when you lift something heavy, you maintain your posture and the alignment of your joints.
Pilates is especially effective at boosting stability because the exercises affect the entire body. The workout targets muscle groups in balance, so over time, your muscles are trained evenly; no group should be compensating for another. The muscles around your joints also get stronger, essential for stability. When force is exerted on the joints, the surrounding muscles can stay strong, keeping the joint in place.
Additionally, stability comes from spatial awareness. Pilates is deeply connected to grounded, self-focused movements; you focus on your form, the shape of your body, and how you are moving slowly over time. This improves a person’s awareness of their own center of mass, allowing them to maintain their balance and weight distribution subconsciously.
What All This Does for Your Confidence
So Pilates can make you stronger and more stable; what does that mean for your confidence? For many people, the results are the goal in and of themselves. Take pride in your accomplishments, knowing your body is tougher than ever. You have accomplished something noteworthy.
However, there are many other reasons to be confident and proud of your achievements! A stronger body means you can enjoy activities you may have given up or not tried. Consider a new sport or hobby, or even spending a longer day sightseeing, now that you have more endurance. This can help you embrace who you are as a person with varied, exciting interests.
You may also find that your confidence rises when you stay stable and attuned. If you want to dance, boat, or do other activities requiring balance, you can go forward confidently; your body is prepared to support you, even when the situation becomes more challenging.
Sign Up for a Pilates Class to See the Difference
Are you interested in seeing how your life can change when you boost your strength and stability with Pilates? Many participants find that they can more confidently approach hobbies or interests they have previously been unable (or unwilling) to try. Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a beginner class and see the changes in real time! You may find that you take great pride in the things you can accomplish.