Pilates and core are synonymous. Must people know that pilates workouts focus on core strength but how does pilates work with arms and legs?
Pilates workouts, especially on pilates apparatus can be a challenge for arms and legs too. Most reformer workouts begin with a leg workout. The springs on the reformer provide resistance to the legs. As you press back your legs are working against the resistance. Because you are horizontal, unlike many leg exercises in the gym where you are vertical and weight bearing on the joints, you are able to work the leg muscles without putting any unnecessary strain on the joints. Physical therapists use the reformer for ankle, knee and hip injuries as a way to strengthen the joints safely. The ability to provide resistance horizontally also builds long, lean muscles.
On the mat, pilates strengthens the legs with a side-lying leg series that will work large and small muscles in ways that you would have never imaged. This leg series will have you feeling the benefits of the workout for days.
Upper body strength is also challenged on the reformer. Many instructors will have you sit on kneel on the reformer and use the straps that work as a pulley system against the springs to provide resistance to the arms. Several of the exercise are similar to those used in a gym setting such as bicep curls, kickbacks and rows. By kneeling on the reformer and doing these exercise you are able to work the core and the upper body at one time making your workouts efficient and quiet challenging.
The nature of pilates builds long, lean muscles during an efficient workout that works every muscles in your body. If you have questions able pilates workouts on the mat or the apparatus contact a Balance Pilates instructor.
