Is Pilates right for me?
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Pilates is a Virgin Active member favourite and with more of our clubs rolling out Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates, it could be yours too very soon.
Is Pilates a trend?
Pilates is having its spotlight moment. From toned bodies and pleasing aesthetics, it can be easy to think that Pilates is not for you. But take it from us: everyone benefits from Pilates and there is no set ‘Pilates body’. It’s not a trend, Pilates is a sustainable way to move your body.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a mind-body exercise created nearly 100 years ago that combines a series of exercises which were originally designed for recovery and rehabilitation. It’s classed as strength training but this low-impact exercise doesn’t quite look like Lift Club.
In a Pilates class, you’ll find a range of exercises which are designed to target and isolate particular muscles in the body. The aim is for you to strengthen your muscles and promote overall flexibility, stability, coordination and better posture.
What’s the difference between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates?
Part of the beauty of Mat Pilates is that it can be done from anywhere. As the name suggests, you just need a mat and knowledge of the exercises - or a teacher to run them through with you. Sometimes, you may also use a Pilates ball, bands or a Pilates ring to target different muscles.
Mat Pilates is typically considered a better choice for beginners - but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easy. You’ll still get a full-body workout and feel muscles you never knew existed.
In Reformer Pilates, you’ll use a carriage with straps and springs to try more challenging poses and for an added layer of resistance. In Reformer Pilates, your body is often working with or against tension because of the springs or the straps which means your muscles are engaged for a longer time. This can make Reformer Pilates more of a challenge and cause you to feel that extra burn.
How do you know if Pilates is right for you?
We’ll start off by saying that whatever your goal, Pilates is probably right for you. From injury prevention to low-impact strength training, it’s great for different stages of your life and is something that you can keep coming back to as your body changes.
Is Pilates low-impact strength training?
While it looks very different to Lift Club and Strength and Conditioning, Pilates is a strength training exercise. Because it doesn’t involve jumps and moves are often performed on your back, it’s gentle on joints while still giving you lots of benefits.
If you’re new to strength training, you can expect to build muscle and tone your body but over time, you may find that you need to add additional weight, through a weights-based class, if you want to add extra muscle mass.
Is Pilates an exercise that will support you through every life stage?
There is no age or ability limit when it comes to Pilates. It’s a low-impact exercise that can also be modified to suit certain health conditions or restricted mobility. It means that you can start Pilates now and continue to see the benefits in ten years time - or more!
Is Pilates good for the body and mind connection?
Uniting breath and movement, Pilates helps you to tap into your mind as well as your body. With a teacher to guide you, in class you’ll pair each exercise to your breath which will help you to focus on what’s happening in your inner world. As you deepen your Pilates practice, you’ll find that self-awareness comes more naturally and you can take it with you off the mat or reformer bed too.
Is Pilates good for better balance, stability and flexibility?
Pilates is not solely a strength-based exercise. It uses muscle building moves which rely on body weight and multiple muscle groups to also help you with better balance, stability, flexibility and coordination. It means that what you learn in class will help you with your range of mobility and how comfortable you feel in your body throughout your day-to-day life.
Does Pilates prevent injuries?
Soon after it was created, Pilates became popular with dancers who were looking for rehabilitation exercises as well as exercises that prevented injury. That’s because it works to give you a strong core and foundational muscles as well as a better range of motion and more joint mobility. All of that together will support your body in any other exercise that you do and day-to-day life as well.
FAQs
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a strength-based exercise aimed to help build muscle, prevent injury, improve your coordination and give you better balance, stability and flexibility. Unlike other strength training classes, Pilates is low-impact and gentle on joints, using body weight to create resistance.
Who is Pilates for?
Pilates is suitable for anyone, as long as you’ve checked with your GP if you have a health condition. It can be your go-to exercise or something that you add to your existing exercise routine.
Can beginners do Reformer Pilates?
Absolutely! At Virgin Active, we hold Reformer Pilates Foundations classes to help you get to grips with the basics. It means if you’ve never done Mat Pilates before, you can dive straight into reformer.
Ready for your next workout? Check out all the group exercise classes available at Virgin Active.
Not yet a member? Find your nearest club and start your membership today.
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