What is Pilates Good For? A Newcomer’s Guide to Pilates Benefits

Pilates is a fantastic, yet often misunderstood form of exercise. Often, we will get questions like “Is Pilates strength training?” or “Are Pilates and weight training the same thing?” which are very fair questions and an excellent starting point for learning what Pilates offers. That said, they also suggest that it is worth delving into the topic a little deeper. Today, we’re going to take a look at understanding the basics of what Pilates is, what it aims to achieve, and what you can hope to gain from regular Pilates practice.

So, what is Pilates good for? And what can you look forward to by joining one of our Pilates Reformer classes?

What is Pilates?

A lot of the confusion surrounding Pilates to newcomers often comes from how it’s pitched. With its reputation as one of the secrets to celebrity bodies and a way to achieve a longer, leaner physique, a lot of people are fascinated by the concept long before they’ve had the chance to properly delve into it.

In practical terms, Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that focuses on flexibility, strength and posture. While it may often be promoted primarily for women, it is a perfect exercise for people of all ages, genders, abilities and sizes. Part of its accessibility comes from the fact that you can do it with or without equipment, making it highly versatile and customisable to the needs of the individual.

What Does Pilates Focus On?

Primarily, Pilates is a discipline that works on building the core. However, despite this being the main focus, it also works on several other parts of the body, and it’s important to note that the core encapsulates quite a few areas of the body. From the hips and back to the abdominals and thighs, Pilates takes a relatively holistic approach to fitness. Depending on your teacher and the type of movements being added, other areas targeted can be the arms, glutes, calves and more. In other words, if you’re someone who wants to take a full-body approach to fitness and strength, while still preferring a relatively low-impact set of movements, Pilates is for you.

Pilates and Mental Health

As with most workout and exercise methods, Pilates has been studied for its positive impact on mental health. Studies have suggested a notable easing in depressive symptoms, as well as anxiety support with regular Pilates practice. This, coupled with the routine and general physical activity that Pilates offers, has allowed it to be seen as an excellent addition to mental health plans.

What Do You Need For Pilates?

Although many Pilates routines can be done with just a mat and a good amount of space, there are several different methods that will all benefit from different equipment. As a Pilates Reformer studio, we utilise Pilates Reformer machines to provide the most effective and beneficial experience possible. These machines, which look similar to a massage table on a carriage with resistance springs, allow you to unlock the full benefits of what Pilates Reformer has to offer. So, when participating in one of our Pilates for beginners classes, learning the basics of how to use these machines effectively is an important step in that process.

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Pilates, in all of its forms, is an amazing way to enjoy the benefits of core strength, balance stability, energy, endurance, and much, much more. Plus, with the addition of classes from KĀYA, you can work with experienced Pilates Reformer specialists and a connected group of people who are trying to improve their lives in the same way that you are. Our safe, inclusive environment thrives on support and care, and is open to anyone, regardless of skill or fitness level. Want to take on a class for yourself? Call us on 03 9090 1000, or sign up with KĀYA Health Clubs today for a wide array of different classes and exercise types.

About the Author

Demi fell in love with yoga when she travelled to India when she was 20 years old. She loved the feeling of bliss she experienced both during and after class, and how that feeling would stay with her throughout her day. It was also in India, that Demi learned how much she loved to write about her travels. She believes that stories have power. They delight, enchant, touch, teach, recall, inspire, motivate, challenge. They help us understand. They imprint a picture in our minds. This led her to her job as a Content Writer. She loves helping businesses tell stories. Especially when the stories involve educating readers on the endless benefits of yoga and Pilates- two of her most loved fitness regimes