Fad or forever is a question I often get asked when discussing Pilates.

Naturally, fitness trends come and go and I don’t blame people for questing the viability of Pilates but I assure you, it’s forever.

The origins of Pilates date back to the early 20th century when Joseph Pilates set out to create his own method of exercise. This technique was particularly popular following the World War I, where it helped to stretch, strengthen, and balance the bodies of those who had been injured during battle.

Today, Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise yet it faces constant backlash from those who don’t quite believe in its methods.

Pilates aims to overall improve the mind and body focusing on your core strength, coordination, and balance whilst also focusing on alignment and breathing. There are two types of Pilates; one which is mainly floor based and another which involves equipment. Personally, I prefer the method with equipment as I have found this is the best way to improve my back pain which I am a constant suffer of.

Back Pain

There is some evidence which suggests that Pilates can provide pain relief to those who suffer from lower back pain such as myself.

The use of apparatus acts as a support for those with lower back pain, but everyone’s needs are individual so it’s vital that you speak to a specialist or personal trainer who will be able to tailor a program to suit you.

Weight Loss

Although many perceive Pilates not to be exercise, if done correctly it can assist in you losing weight. Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise yet it does strengthen muscles and build your core strength, improving your general fitness and helping you to maintain a healthy weight.

Many Pilates teachers will offer a range of intensities when it comes to classes, so it’s key to attend one which you feel comfortable with. If done right and paired with a healthy lifestyle, good diet and other exercise, Pilates can help you to lose weight.

Builds Abs

One of the main focuses of Pilates is to strengthen your core, naturally, this helps to improve your stomach muscles and in turn, your abs. Pilates helps to equally build muscle to both the left and right of your abdomen, ridding of any imbalances which are so common.

This new core strength will help you in other areas of fitness, assisting to improve your overall health.

Improves Flexibility

Many people complain that they can’t take part in Pilates because they’re not flexible enough, and I admit that I once thought the same.

But that’s exactly the reason why you should do it; Pilates helps to loosen your muscles, which in turn makes your much more flexible. Attending frequent Pilates classes will overall improve your flexibility and your bodies range of motion, which will lessen your chances of injury and pain.

I have been enjoying Pilates classes for many years now, partaking in at least two classes a week. I strongly believe Pilates has helped to improve my lower back pain and I have most definitely noticed a difference with my core strength and flexibility. If there is ever a time where I am unable to attend my usual class, I am able to follow a number of online classes, which can be done, from home with very little equipment, if any.

If you have any questions, please don’t be afraid to get in touch.