The Hundred: Engages the core, arms, and legs for endurance. This exercise requires controlled breathing and sustained abdominal contraction, which helps tone the entire midsection and improves circulation.
It is recommended to incorporate other forms of exercise such as cardio and strength training for a well-rounded fitness routine (6).
Why? A classic Pilates move that's part of most classes, this move is great for improving mobility, and strengthening the back of the body, including the glutes.
Firstly, whilst Pilates does not use heavy loads there are many exercises which utilise resistance particularly if working with the large Pilates equipment.
Pilates is a great way to tone your body, improve your posture, and feel better overall. It's a way to get fit that works and makes you think about what you're doing.
The result is strength without bulk. Muscles become more firm and defined, especially when combined with consistent training and healthy habits outside the studio.
One of the biggest advantages of Pilates is that it strengthens muscles without putting stress on the joints, making it a fantastic option for all fitness levels.
This contributes to a firmer, more defined appearance even without significantly increasing muscle bulk.
The focus on this version of a press up is to keep the elbows close to the sides. This is super challenging for your triceps as it means that you use your chest muscles less.
Poor posture from sitting, slouching, and repetitive movements plagued most of our clients. Pilates re-patterns your posture by activating key muscle groups while ensuring proper spinal alignment. Our instructors manually cue proper alignment and teach you to be more mindful of your movements.
This means even at rest you are burning more calories. Pilates can prepare your body for strength training and cardiovascular can pilates tone your body exercise by waking up your muscles and improving the efficiency of your movements.
When your breathing works properly, so does the core. When the core muscles work well, so do your other muscles. We can think of it like links in a chain, where each muscle function is interconnected with the next.
Pilates is a multi-faceted exercise system focused on core strength, precise movements, proper alignment, and integrative breathing. Classes can be done on a mat or using Pilates equipment to add resistance and variability for more athletic clients. While often associated with dancing and gymnastics, Pilates offers measurable benefits for people from all walks of life.
When comparing the Pilates body to the gym body, many factors come into play, including individual goals, skill level, and personal preferences. Some people may find that they enjoy one form of exercise more than the other, making it easier to stick with consistently.