Five Reasons to do Pilates

How is it Friday again already!? I feel like we’re just streaking through this month!

Well today I am once again linking up with the Courtney, Mar and Cynthia, the DC Trifecta for their Friday Five link-up. This week’s the ladies are asking everyone to share their “Five Reasons to….”

Now that I’ve returned to my weekly Pilates classes I cannot believe I ever stepped away from it! In my opinion there are many reasons to do Pilates – especially if you’re a runner…but here are a few:

 

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1) Builds Core Strength — Pilates focuses on strengthening your core muscles which is critical not only for runners, but really to perform any function.

2) Aids Muscular Balance —  The repetitive motion of running (or many other sports, like golf for example) can create muscle imbalances. Pilates’ whole-body approach works to correct any imbalances and helps you to re-align your body.

3) Can be Adapted for Almost Everyone — With a wide range of exercises and modifications, Pilates offers something for everyone.  I can attest to the fact that I did Pilates all through my pregnancy with my youngest son – right up to a week before delivery! I’ve had both seniors and 20-somethings in the same class with me. I’ve also had friends who were injured who used Pilates as part of their PT.

4) Improves Posture — Pilates both strengthens and lengthens your spine, and with its focus on core strength and proper alignment, you will see an improvement in your posture.

5) Offers Mind-Body Awareness — My Pilates instructor is always emphasizing the importance of the total attention necessary to activate various muscle groups as you move through the various exercises. Pilates founder Joseph Pilates spoke of  “the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” Through Pilates key principles of centering, concentration, control, breath, and flow, Pilates believed that the mind and body work together to help the practitioner get the most out of each exercise.

Honestly, I could go on and on about the benefits of doing Pilates! I really love that it truly offers a full-body workout – building core strength while helping to develop long lean muscles, strength, balance, flexibility and an increased range of motion – what’s not to love?!

 

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As always, please be sure to stop by and check-out the great ladies of the DC Trifecta and the others joining the link-up this week!

 

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Comments

  1. i’ve never really been able to get into pilates – maybe i need to give it another shot!
    Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…friday factsMy Profile

  2. I am loving it. I had a DVD for pilates (I think the kids ate it, can’t find it) but I truly enjoyed it when I did it some years ago.
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…#FitTube Tag Episode 3: 5 Things To Keep You MotivatedMy Profile

  3. I went to a Pilates mat class religiously for years….until I didn’t. Boo. But I do ‘the hundred’ pretty much everyday so there’s that I guess.
    Marcia recently posted…Friday 5My Profile

  4. I love pilates! I usually do it once a week via a Winsor Pilates DVD that I have.
    Betsy recently posted…Next Up: Stony Creek Back to the Beach Half MarathonMy Profile

  5. Ooh I love Pilates! I recently found reformer class I love and bought a Groupon for it. Big trouble! When that Groupon runs out classes are expensive lol. Thanks for sharing!
    Amanda H recently posted…Five Reasons to Exercise While TravelingMy Profile

  6. I can’t argue with any of these, but somehow pilates is even further down my list than yoga! :-I
    Coco recently posted…Five Reasons To Exercise In The MorningMy Profile

  7. Hmm, interesting. I’ve only ever tried yoga before and hate it because I’m SO inflexible. Maybe I should give this a try instead.
    Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Face The Music Friday #34My Profile

  8. this is great – i love pilates! 🙂
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run, DC recently posted…Friday Five: Five Reasons to Run Without MusicMy Profile

  9. I used to like doing Pilates I don’t know why I stopped!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Reasons to add Kickboxing into your lifeMy Profile

  10. I’ve only done pilates a few times…I had a hard time with the breathing so I think that’s why I stopped :/

    • Sue I remember it taking me a little bit of time to get the breathing down – I’d get so focused on learning the moves that I’d actually hold my breath 🙂

  11. gosh I haven’t done Pilates in years! I should try it again.
    Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Reasons to Run ZOOMA!My Profile

  12. I can’t remember the last time I did Pilates. I definitely need to remedy that!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – May 16th – Five Reasons to BlogMy Profile

  13. I dabbled in Pilates 5 years ago. I loved it but then running and yoga took over my life. I recently tried it again and am now trying to get it in at least a couple of days a week.
    Angela @ happy Fit Mama recently posted…High Five FridayMy Profile

  14. I’m just recently learning the differences between pilates and yoga. It’s about time! I’m more of a yoga person but enjoy pilates every now and then.
    jill conyers recently posted…Fuel Your BetterMy Profile

    • After years of doing Pilates I didn’t really appreciate the differences until I made a real commitment to practicing yoga. With Pilates for me it was instant love – took me much longer to warm up to yoga, but I really enjoy the challenge of it.

  15. we have always been intrigued by pilates, hopefully one day we try it 😉

  16. Pilates is such a good workout that is really beneficial. And having this done regularly is a good health boost.
    pilates Brisbane recently posted…4 Tips for Reducing your Childs Screen TimeMy Profile

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