Remind me of the benefits of Pilates

[allthelinterdit]

Trying to throw a couple of Pilates workouts into my weekly routine. I did one earlier in the week but I also rowed the same day, however I plan on Pilates being my only workout today. Just done a 45 minute workout and burned a mere 100 cals. I know it's not about the calories, but I start thinking I could have done a 45 min run or spin class and burned over triple that 😅
The only benefit I can see right now is that I don't need to wash my hair...
I'm hoping someone can remind me what I'll achieve from Pilates 🙏🏽
(FYI - I either run, row, spin or do Caroline Girvan weights on the other 6 days of the week. I suppose this could be classed as a rest day...)

Pilates is fantastic for core strength, posture and for making you work the secondary muscles that often get neglected.

It isn’t great for calorie burning but should feel like hard work if you’re doing it properly. Was yours an online class or in person? I think it needs a good in person teacher (at least if you are a beginner). Otherwise it’s easy to be using the wrong muscles without knowing and then it will feel easy and you don’t get the benefit.

Posture, yes! I sit at a desk all week, so sometimes suffer from neck and shoulder pain that I have to get treated. I do recall it was better when I did a Pilates programme when I couldn't run/spin due to injury. Thank you!

I am doing online classes however my gym does offer Pilates classes so I may start going

I agree it isn't about the calorie burn. I do a lot of strength training, run and do hiit, and occasionally do Pilates for some core, to focus on form, because I am off colour or been training hard, or as something extra on a cardio day. I don't have time to do it regularly though (even though I enjoy it and think it has benefits) given what else I do, and find I really need my rest days muscle-wise.

Yes it’s definitely good for making you hold yourself better and improving back issues.

If you do go to an in person class tell them you are a beginner and ask them to watch and correct you.

Maybe you should try Reformer pilates (if you don't already), it's harder than mat pilates.

It's fantastic for core strength, finding and working muscles that I didn't know I had. Also excellent for improving flexibility, which is going to be a massive benefit for the middle-aged and onwards in my opinion.

Core strength and I really do look slimmer as my posture is better.
If you want a “feel the burn” type class you could try barre pilates. It definitely makes me sweatier and more like I’ve had a hard work out.

My womens physio recommends it for keeping pelvic floor and all your internal bits lifted and supported

Love these responses, thank you

Pilates has given me a really strong core. I mainly do strength training and cardio workouts at home (bodyfit by Amy, Fitness Blender, Hasfit etc.) and I find any core stuff fairly easy, thanks to Pilates. If I'm doing an intense, sweaty work I love when it moves to some core moves as it feels like a break. Pilates has also really improved my posture and flexibility, and it can help to prevent injury when doing other forms of exercise. I like Pilates with Katja videos on YouTube. She is fantastic, and is really good at explaining the moves and which muscles you should be feeling.

The mobility aspects are really important. I think of pilates as more of a physical therapy/restorative session rather than a "workout". It will make all your joints supple and your core strong, which will mean you get the most out of your other workouts. And keep you mobile into your 80s and beyond.