In recent months the views on my YouTube channel have shot up thanks to a couple of videos I’ve done about Wall Pilates.
Are you looking for an effective way to tone, tighten and strengthen your core? Wall Pilates is the perfect workout for you!
This low-impact exercise can be done at home with minimal equipment and provides a full body workout that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of Wall Pilates and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it at home. So grab a mat, some wall space and get ready to experience the ultimate workout!
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core and lengthening muscles.
It was originally developed by Joseph Pilates for use with soldiers, and later became popularized in America after his travels there.
Today, it involves slow controlled movements designed to work the core muscles and lengthen muscles.
What is Wall Pilates?
Wall Pilates is a form of mat Pilates that uses the wall as a form of support and resistance. It targets certain muscles while taking pressure off joints, making it ideal for those who want to tone their core without putting too much strain on their joints.
This means that some elements of the workout can feel easier than without a wall, but it also allows us to attempt more challenging moves as well.
Best of all you don’t need to invest in any additional equipment: you just need your mat and a wall to give this a try.
How effective is wall Pilates?
Wall Pilates is an effective form of exercise that can be used by people of all fitness levels. The wall provides support and guidance, allowing beginners to learn correct form while also offering advanced exercisers an alternative to traditional floor workouts.
Additionally, the wall can act as a safety net for balance exercises and give confidence when learning new moves.
In addition, it allows for a number of standing exercises that are great for people who find it difficult to get onto the floor.
With its accessibility and ability to be modified based on ability and injury, wall Pilates is an effective way to get in shape without sacrificing safety or comfort in your own home or studio space.
How to do basic wall exercises using the Pilates method?
Ready to take on a new variation in your workouts? Fortunately for you, I’ve developed 4 different videos you can try out in the comfort of your own home. Before we get started let’s cover the basics
Make sure you have the necessary equipment
For basic wall exercises using the Pilates method, you will need the following:
- Mat: A mat is used to provide a soft surface for you to lie down on and make any movements more comfortable.
- Grip socks: Not essential, you can go bear foot, but if you’d rather wear socks make sure they are grip socks rather than regular socks (which will cause you to slip_
- Wall: Make sure it’s a solid wall that can take your weight on it rather than a flimsy partition
As always, have some water and a towel handy, otherwise you’re good to go!
Workout 1: Getting Started with Wall Pilates
This sequence of Glute Bridges get progressively more challenging as you work your way through the routine.
We begin by warming up your glutes and mobilising your spine before adding in layers of challenge. You’ll need to focus on your control by engaging your core & building strength. Your hip mobility will also be challenged, whats not to love.
Workout 2: Full Body Wall Pilates
You need the space to place your mat in front of a wall and to find thirty minutes in your day to focus on fabulous you.
I enjoyed filming this workout, I loved the variety of movements and the feedback you get from using the wall.
The wall increases your awareness of how your body is moving & improves your stability and connection.
Don’t take my word for it … give it a try and let me know how you found it.
Workout 3: The ULTIMATE Wall Pilates Workout
Listen to the intro on the video & you’ll hear my enthusiasm, it’s a great workout, with lots of variety & new exercises.
I enjoyed filming it and my body loved the challenge. You will definitely feel like you have worked, and you’ll certainly feel how the wall supports some of the movements and adds challenge to others.
Workout 4: Express Wall Pilates Workout
Short on time but looking for an effective workout you can do anywhere… here is your new go-to workout!!
You need a wall & a mat (carpet or grass will work just as well).
The main focus today is your core… think glutes, quads & abdominals. Expect your upper body strength to be challenged as we plank against the wall!
You will definitely feel it was 20 minutes that were productive, effective & well spent.
Want even more? Check out my 6 day Wall Pilates challenge.
What are the benefits of wall Pilates?
I hope you’ve tried out one of my workouts and have discovered that wall Pilates is a great way to improve your overall strength and flexibility, while also giving you a great home workout.
Let’s look at how you’ll benefit from these workouts:
1. Strengthen and Tone Muscles Throughout the Body
Like regular Pilates, the wall variation focuses on strengthening and toning muscles throughout the body.
2. Improve Posture, Balance and Coordination
Wall Pilates is a great way to improve posture, balance and coordination. It involves engaging the abdominals and back muscles to control the pose and keeping the arms and legs as straight as possible.
This helps build strength in these areas, which can help improve posture over time. Additionally, practising wall Pilates regularly helps improve balance and coordination, which can help prevent falls in later life.
3. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Wall Pilates can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a space for distraction-free concentration.
The slow, controlled movements provide an opportunity to focus on one’s breathing and body awareness, which can help reduce negative thoughts or feelings of anxiety.
Additionally, the strengthening exercises involved in wall Pilates can improve overall physical fitness levels, reducing fatigue and exhaustion, which often lead to increased stress levels.
Finally, the mindfulness aspect of wall Pilates offers a sense of peace in the moment that helps reduce overall stress levels in life.
4. Increase Cardiovascular Health
Doing wall Pilates at home can increase cardiovascular health by improving muscle strength, balance and flexibility. These are key components of overall cardiovascular health, as they help to reduce the risk of injury and improve efficiency in movement.
By doing these workouts on a regular basis, you will notice an improvement in your overall cardiovascular health as well as reduced stress levels.
Your heart rate will be lower while doing these exercises compared to traditional workouts like running or biking. This means that you are getting just as much (if not more) out of your workout without sacrificing your heart health.
5. Improve Core Strength and Stability
Pilates is a form of exercise that helps to strengthen and stabilize the core. It involves a range of exercises that focus on movement, control, and breathing techniques. These movements can improve overall strength and stability in the trunk area.
By regularly performing Pilates exercises, you will increase your core strength and improve your stability. This will allow you to do other exercises more easily.
Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of injury when lifting heavy weights or performing other high-impact activities such as running or jumping lunges.
6. Develop Muscle Control and Flexibility
Wall Pilates helps develop muscle control and flexibility by providing a stable surface for your exercises.
By using the wall as support, you are able to focus on specific movements without worrying about losing balance or overextending your muscles.
This allows you to slowly increase the intensity of your workouts while maintaining proper form.
Additionally, wall Pilates helps improve spinal mobility, which can help relieve back pain and improve posture over time.
7. Enhance Focus and Concentration
Wall Pilates helps enhance focus and concentration by providing a stable platform for strengthening the core muscles.
By engaging these muscles, wall Pilates increases blood flow to the brain, which can help improve concentration levels.
FAQs
How often should I do wall Pilates?
It is recommended that you Pilates at least two to three times a week. To keep things interesting and challenging, make one of the sessions a wall Pilates workout.
If you’re new to all this please consult with a local, profesionally qualified, instructor before attempting any new workout.
What type of mat is recommended for wall Pilates?
If you already have a mat you should be able to use that for wall Pilates, assuming it isn’t slippy. I wouldn’t use a yoga mat as they are typically thinner and softer than a Pilates mat, they don’t offer the same level of cushioning and can be uncomfortable.
For best results when doing wall pilates exercises, it’s important to choose the right type of mat that will provide sufficient support while also allowing you freedom of movement.
Also see Can I do Pilates without a mat?
Are there any safety considerations I should keep in mind when doing wall Pilates?
There are some safety considerations you should keep in mind when doing wall Pilates. For example, it is important to make sure that you have proper form when performing the exercises. The wall is there to support you, but there is always the potential you might slip to the side, so ensure the area around you is clear.
