The Pilates is already like running: it is rare the gym that does not offer it among its classes and even more rare people who have never tried it. And is that when our lives began to be too sedentary, came the Pilates to offer us a moderate exercise, which can practice any and that focuses, above all, to improve our body posture and, incidentally, harden and strengthen our 'core' (the central part of the body). But what if the Pilates was much more? Well it is and all this is related to improving health and wellbeing, and has been testing since its inception.

What we already know: strengthens the 'core'

It is the base of Pilates. The idea is that during movements, all our attention is placed on using and moving the muscles of the center of our body to strengthen them and thus improve posture and relieve any back pain. The muscles of the central part of the body, when working correctly, become an effective support when it comes to supporting the body, which helps prevent injuries. It is said that Pilates is even more effective than abdominals to achieve this, even helping to correct the balance. As the American Council on Exercise says, Pilates is one of the most complete and effective means when it comes to working on the strength and stability of the nucleus of our body.

Improve flexibility

Joseph Pilates said that "true flexibility can only be achieved when all muscles are developed uniformly." Pilates classes consist of small movements that strengthen every muscle, however small. While yoga is more focused on stretching when it comes to increasing flexibility, Pilates is committed to developing a base force that allows the body to flex. Studies have shown that Pilates can help increase flexibility, but if this is your main goal, you will get it sooner if you combine your Pilates classes with yoga.

You will be more relaxed

While practicing Pilates, you also practice the connection between the mind, the body and the breath. One study showed that Pilates improves the mindfulness and well-being of those who participated in it. And it is that Joseph Pilates himself described his exercise methodology as a "complete coordination of body, mind and spirit". Pilates can be a mental and emotional respite for all those who suffer a problem related to stress, depression or anxiety. This discipline forces us to concentrate in our interior during the duration of the training, paying total attention to the detail, the form and the execution of each exercise.

You will lose centimeters

Pilates is not a high intensity workout and it is not very likely that you end up sweating in jets, but it is proven that it is a very effective exercise for all those who want to reduce centimeters in general. And is that any training focused on strengthening muscles will help us control our weight, because muscles burn more calories when they work. And in and of itself the Pilates improves posture, which means that at first glance we will look taller and thinner. While you practice it you move in a way that will help you reduce your waist and improve the tone of your arms and legs. Although if your main objective is to lose weight, it will be more effective if you combine it with cardio and more intense exercises.

It can relieve certain pains

For anyone suffering from back pain, especially in the lower part of the back, Pilates can be a real help in relieving it and preventing it from appearing again. A lazy 'core' is usually a reflection of a weakness of the area in people with low back pain, and since the Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles of the body; it can have a very positive effect, helping to alleviate the Back pain.

Of course, it is important that if you suffer an injury do not settle for the group classes and look for a qualified Pilates teacher, who can ensure that the movements of Pilates are performing correctly to avoid further injury.