Essential Nutrients You Need More of for Pilates
Posted 8 March 2022
Building a healthy and physically-fit body (unfortunately!) doesn’t happen from Pilates alone. Instead, like any exercise method, to truly enjoy the benefits of Pilates, you need to also ensure you are getting enough essential nutrients in your diet. There are many nutritious additions you could incorporate into your meal plans to ensure your body is getting what it needs before and after your workouts.
Warming up and cooling down before and after a Pilates workout is necessary, but so are these essential nutrients you need more of for Pilates!
Pack in the Protein
One of the most important nutrients for Pilates is protein. Protein helps muscles rebuild and recover after a workout, making it essential for those who partake in Pilates regularly. Studies have shown that consuming protein after a Pilates workout can help improve muscle strength and size.
There are many excellent sources of protein, including lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Try to include some high-quality protein in each meal and snack throughout the day.
Can't Miss Those Carbohydrates!
Another key nutrient for Pilates is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates not only provide energy for your workouts but can also help improve performance. For best results, aim to include healthy carbs like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in your diet.
Fats Matter, Too!
Fat is another essential nutrient for Pilates. In fact, some types of fat are actually necessary for the body to perform optimally. Omega-3 fatty acids are a good example of this; these fatty acids play important roles in health and wellness, including supporting joint health and reducing inflammation.
Including healthy fats like omega-3s in your diet can be as simple as adding a few tablespoons of flaxseed or chia seeds to your morning smoothie or oatmeal. You can also find omega-3s in fatty fish like salmon, trout, and herring.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, Pilates participants also need plenty of vitamins and minerals. Some essential nutrients for Pilates that are often overlooked include magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium.
Magnesium is important for muscle function and energy production, while zinc is necessary for protein synthesis and immune health. Iron is critical for red blood cell production and energy metabolism, and calcium is essential for bone health.
These are just a few examples; ensuring you are getting enough of all the essential vitamins and minerals can be a challenge. However, as long as you make sure to include a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet, you should be able to cover all your bases.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for anyone, but it’s especially important if you want to get the most out of your Pilates workouts. By ensuring you are getting enough protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, you can help your body rebuild and recover after a workout, improve performance, and stay healthy and strong.
Join a Class at Club Pilates
Incorporating these essential nutrients into your diet will provide your body and mind with all the important food groups it needs to stay healthy, as well as improve the outcomes of your workouts.
At Club Pilates, we care about the body and the mind, as both play a part when practicing Pilates. Our experienced instructors will work with you to develop tailored workout schedules, as well as provide advice on how best to care for your body. Visit a Club Pilates studio near you to get started, or sign up online!
