Most people think of Pilates as a workout for toning the body, and while that is definitely one of the benefits of practicing Pilates, it’s not the only one. Pilates can also be highly effective in improving flexibility and mobility.
When the focus is on improving your fitness levels, toning your body, or increasing your level of activity through an impactful and challenging workout, many people can forget to work on their flexibility and mobility in the process. What you may not realise is that these elements actually impact your day-to-day life, and can impact your entire body as you age. So, by working to improve on how flexible you are, as well as how mobile, you will not only see a difference in your daily life but may even avoid some of the aches and pains many of us experience as we age!
Find out why maintaining good flexibility and mobility as you age is so important, and how Pilates can help you achieve that, below!
Why is Flexibility Important?
Flexibility is important for a number of reasons. For one, it helps reduce the risk of injuries. When muscles are tight, they are more likely to be pulled or strained. This can easily happen during activities such as running or playing sports where there is a lot of sudden movement.
Additionally, being flexible can help improve your range of motion and make everyday activities easier. From bending down to tie your shoes, to reaching up to grab something from a high shelf, you use your flexibility in many different ways throughout the day without even realising it!
Finally, maintaining good flexibility can also help reduce pain in the body. When muscles and joints are properly stretched out, they are less likely to become sore or painful.
Why is Mobility Important?
Mobility is important for many of the same reasons as flexibility. When you have good mobility, you are less likely to experience pain in the body and are also less likely to sustain an injury.
Good mobility can also help improve your balance and coordination. This is because having a full range of motion in your joints allows you to move more freely and with greater control. This can be especially beneficial as we age when balance issues become more common.
Finally, having good mobility can help increase your strength. When you have a greater range of motion in your joints, you are able to engage muscles that may otherwise not be used as often. This helps build strength evenly throughout the body, which can make everyday activities such as carrying groceries or climbing stairs much easier.
How Pilates Can Help Improve Flexibility and Mobility
Pilates is an excellent workout for improving flexibility and mobility. This is because Pilates focuses on controlled, slow movements. This allows you to really focus on the muscles you are engaging and ensures they are properly stretched out.
Controlled, Precise Movements
One of the key principles of Pilates is control. Every movement is done with control and precision. This helps to ensure that you are properly engaging the muscles you are targeting and that they are being stretched out properly.
The slow, controlled movements also allow you to really focus on your breath. This deep breathing helps to relax the body and allows you to move more deeply into each stretch.
Full Body Workout
Another benefit of Pilates is that it works the entire body. Many other workout methods such as weightlifting or running can target specific muscle groups but neglect others. This can lead to muscular imbalances which can impact your flexibility and mobility.
Pilates, on the other hand, engages all of the muscles in the body. This helps to ensure that your entire body is strong and flexible, which can help improve your mobility and reduce pain.
Join a Pilates Class at Club Pilates!
At Club Pilates, we offer a variety of classes that are perfect for beginners as well as those who are looking for a more challenging workout. Our highly trained instructors will guide you through each movement, ensuring you are properly engaging your muscles and getting the most out of each stretch.
We also offer reformer classes which are perfect for those looking to improve their flexibility and mobility. The reformer is a Pilates machine that uses springs and pulleys to resistance train the body. This can help to deeply stretch out the muscles and improve range of motion.
If you are interested in joining a Pilates class, we offer a free trial so you can try us out before committing! Contact us today to sign up. We look forward to helping you achieve your fitness goals!
