There is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to working out, with so many different types of exercise why should you choose Pilates? What sets it apart from all the other forms of exercise?
Pilates is different from other forms of exercise because it uses your own body weight to work the muscles. This means you don’t need any equipment or machines, and you can do it at home with little risk of injury. Pilates also focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body, which can help improve your overall health andwellbeing.
Pilates is a unique form of exercise that focuses on targeted muscle group workouts. Pilates helps improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. Let’s explore how Pilates is different from other forms of exercise.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on the muscles in the body and helps to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. It uses your own body weight as resistance against gravity, which helps to stretch and strengthen your muscles. Pilates can help people with injuries or problems with movement recover more quickly while also improving overall circulation.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Pilates is a type of exercise that has a variety of benefits for people of all ages.Some key benefits include:
- It can help improve your flexibility and range of motion.
- Pilates can help you lose weight, tone your muscles, and reduce stress levels.
- Pilates can also improve your balance and coordination.
- It’s an excellent way to increase your strength and endurance.
For more see: 23 benefits of Pilates
What are the different types of Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that can be adapted to suit different levels and abilities. There are several different types of Pilates, including Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, Chair Pilates, and Barre Pilates.
Mat Pilates is the most basic form of Pilates and can be done on a mat or carpeted floor. It focuses on core strength and stability.
Barre Pilates combines elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates to create an intense workout that focuses on toning the body.
Reformer Pilates is a more advanced form of Pilates that uses a machine called a Reformer to provide resistance and help you work your muscles.
There are also variations that take the core concepts and add a twist:
Hot Pilates combines traditional Pilates exercises with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It is performed in a heated room, usually between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. (see Is Hot Pilates better than regular Pilates?)
Pop Pilates is a form of Pilates that incorporates upbeat music and dance moves to make the workout more fun. (see What is Pop Pilates?)
Chair Pilates is similar to Mat Pilates but uses a chair for support and stability.
Wall Pilatesis also similar to Mat Pilates but uses a wall for support and stability.
All of these methods use your own body weight as resistance against gravity. This can help you build strength without any machines or equipment.
What equipment is used in Pilates?
In general, you only need a mat, but as you progress further you’ll want to incorporate equipment to add variety and challenge to your workout.
This is another difference compared to other forms of exercise: Pilates can be done with or without equipment, and you can borrow equipment from other areas of your life.
See: Home Pilates Equipment Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Pilates vs Yoga
Pilates and yoga are both forms of exercise that focus on stretching and strengthening the body. However, they have some key differences.
Yoga focuses more on breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation while Pilates is more focused on strength training and improving flexibility. Yoga also uses poses to help you relax while Pilates uses exercises to help you build strength.
See What is Better For Beginners Yoga or Pilates?
Pilates vs weights
Pilates and weight training are both forms of exercise that can help you build strength and improve your overall fitness. However, they have some key differences.
Weight training uses external weights to create resistance while Pilates uses your own body weight as resistance against gravity.
Pilates is more focused on improving flexibility, balance, and coordination of the entire body, while weight training is more focused on building upper body muscle mass.
See Pilates vs. Weights: Does one replace the other?
Pilates vs Running
Pilates and running are both forms of exercise that can help you improve your overall fitness. However, they have some key differences.
Pilates is more focused on improving flexibility, balance, and coordination while running helps to increase your heart rate and burn calories.
Running is also more intense than Pilates and requires more energy expenditure.
Combining Forms of Exercise
I’ve listed the differences above to give you an idea of what Pilates offers, but the two are not exclusive in any way. In fact, Pilates is very good for other forms of exercise.
Pilates can be combined with other forms of exercise to create a more comprehensive workout. For example, you could combine Pilates with running or weight training to get the benefits of both.
I have a lot of runners as clients as Pilates is something they can do on active rest days and gives them a full body workout, and people who compete in professional competitions.
For example, here is a workout you can do after you’ve been for a run.
How to find a Pilates class?
There are many different types of exercises, but Pilates is unique because it uses your own body weight to improve your strength, flexibility and coordination.
If you’re new to Pilates I always recommend working with a professionally qualified instructor before attempting to go solo. This will ensure you get the most out of your workout and are less likely to suffer any injury from getting the movements wrong.
Finding a Pilates class is easy. You can search online for local classes or look for studios in your area. Many gyms and fitness centers also offer Pilates classes.
See: Clothing
Final thoughts
Pilates is a great form of exercise that can help you improve your strength, flexibility and coordination. It is different from other forms of exercise in that it uses your own body weight as resistance against gravity.
Combining Pilates with other forms of exercise can create a comprehensive workout routine that will help you reach your fitness goals.
To get the most out of your Pilates practice, it’s best to work with a professional instructor who can make sure you are doing the right things.
