Pilates benefits: from ideal posture to better sex

If you look around, yoga and pilates can be said to be almost similar. But pilates is actually a contemporary version of yoga. Pilates was developed around the 20th century by a veteran athlete named Joseph Pilates, as a form of physical exercise that focuses on rehabilitation and strengthening the body.

For those of you who are looking for a gym because you are curious to try Pilates but are still unsure about its benefits, check out this article to find out more about the many benefits of Pilates for the body.

Pilates benefits for body health

1. Strengthens the core muscles of the body

The core muscles are a series of complex muscles that stretch from the lower chest muscles, abdomen, back, to the muscles around the pelvis. Think of your core muscles as the principal links of the upper and lower body link chains, which are involved in nearly every movement of the human body.

Weak or inflexible core muscles can interfere with the function of your arms and legs, and can exhaust yourself with every movement you make. Exercising your core muscles properly can boost their strength. Having a strong torso means building stability and core strength.

Many people think that training the core muscles is synonymous with a six-pack abs shaping program. But make no mistake, strengthening your core is one of the most sought-after Pilates benefits.

2. Correcting posture

Strong abdominal and back muscles are essential for performing everyday tasks, such as carrying small children and carrying boxes or heavy items. Pilates supports your core to stabilize your body's coordination, so you can maintain good posture while sitting or standing.

Pilates trains the muscles of your lower back, hips, stomach and pelvis, which are the center of gravity for your body, so they can work in harmony. More importantly, stabilizing the core of the body through pilates also reduces wear of the spine. These pilates benefits allow you to draw in more oxygen while breathing, which gives you a stable and good posture, and also hones your fine motor skills. Sharp motor skills allow you to react quickly and stay balanced on unstable surfaces, such as on slippery roads or steep inclines.

Good posture makes you appear taller and slimmer, which in turn boosts your overall confidence.

3. Prevent and reduce pain from injury

Prolonged sitting and minimal exercise weakens the muscles in your midsection. Once your core muscles are weakened, a wrong pillow or even a slight sprain can cause you to suffer from prolonged pain - not to mention there is an equally large risk of recurrent pain.

Pilates lengthens and strengthens muscles, increases muscle elasticity, and improves joint mobility. A body with a balance of strength and flexibility will be more immune and / or will heal faster from injury.

That's why many people with chronic low back pain choose to practice Pilates, and it has been shown to greatly improve recovery even after only four weeks of training sessions (when compared to those who visit specialist doctors alone), says a study published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports. Physical Therapy. What's more, the pain completely disappeared for a whole year post-Pilates.

4. Sharpen focus

Pilates seems very easy to do, but it is actually a sport that requires a high level of concentration. Pilates is centered on harmonizing mind, body, and breath control so you can focus more on every movement you make. This sharp focus makes it very unlikely that you will be careless and hurt yourself.

In addition, when Chinese researchers measured changes in women's brain activity after 10 weeks of Pilates exercise, they found an increase in brain alpha power, which is associated with neural network activity, memory performance, and other cognitive functions. Researchers believe Pilates may even have potential as a therapeutic option for people with degenerative brain disease and cognitive dysfunction.

5. Improve the quality of sex life

In a sense, pilates also involves movements similar to Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Strong pelvic muscles can give you a more amazing orgasm.

In addition, the benefits of Pilates for strengthening pelvic muscles don't just end in bed. If you are trying to get pregnant, your pelvic floor muscles can make it easier for you to push the baby during labor.