Why I Keep Coming Back to Pilates

Pilates has gotten a lot more popular over the last several years, and I think it’s earned it. It’s low-impact, so it’s kind to your joints, and it works on your strength, your posture and your flexibility at the same time.

What it does for your muscles

The movements are slow and controlled. There’s no jumping and usually no heavy weights. You hold yourself steady while you work your core, glutes, legs and arms, and that slow control is what makes it hard. It also stretches you as you go, so over time you can get more range of motion, which can help you avoid getting hurt doing everything else in your life.

What it does for your head

You can’t really do Pilates while you’re running through your to-do list. You have to pay attention to how you’re moving and how you’re breathing, and for a lot of people that focus is exactly what makes it relaxing. It can be a good way to let some stress go.

You can start where you are

Pilates works at almost any level. A beginner and an athlete can do the same exercise and get very different workouts out of it. Most of it can be modified around an injury or a physical limitation too, so if you have one, tell your instructor and they can adjust things for you.

It can also just be fun. If high-intensity workouts have worn you out, or you dread them, Pilates moves at a different speed. And a workout you look forward to is a lot easier to keep doing.