Pilates doesn't aid weight loss much: Why still do it? Instructor explains

Slowing down has been the latest mantra of the modern age. It means living at a more relaxed pace and reducing the number of activities and responsibilities, making you more intentional with your time and energy. Interestingly, this trend has made its way into workouts and fitness routines, too. Pilates, a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on strengthening your core, improving posture and flexibility, building balance, and creating positive body awareness, has been trending among youngsters. They prefer the slow, rhythmic movements of Pilates to the hardcore exercises at the gym. 

Videos of Pilates workouts have been taking over social media platforms like Instagram. Many celebrities enjoy pilates to stay in great shape and regularly post videos of their sessions on social media. Pilates, which was once labelled ‘elite’, has now shed that title and is being embraced by commoners too. Sheethal Sumit, a certified Pilates trainer at RMCO Slim Fit, Cheroor, explains how the exercise helps. 

Queen of aesthetics
Pilates is often touted as the ‘Queen of Aesthetics’ among workouts. The aesthetic appeal of Pilates comes from gentle, graceful body movements that evoke a sensuous dance form, like ballet. The movements are controlled, graceful and fluid, making them look elegant. While some see Pilates as another abs workout, others approach it as a modern form of Yoga. 

Interestingly, Pilates is mostly practised in designer studios, as graceful, calm environments also play a pivotal role in lending Pilates its aesthetic appeal. 

Working the core
Pilates is primarily a strengthening exercise that focuses on your core muscles, including the hips, abdomen, and pelvic area. Besides, it helps improve posture, strengthen the backbone, and reduce muscle imbalances. Compared to other forms of exercise, Pilates is low–impact and should be performed slowly and gently. So it could be a bit challenging for those trying it for the first time. Beginners often start with low–level exercises that help their bodies adjust to graceful movements. 

Various forms
Mat, reformer, chair and rehab are the various types of Pilates workouts. Mat Pilates is the most popular here because it can be done on mats without specialised equipment. Besides, balls, rings and bands are also used to control your body movements in mat Pilates. Meanwhile, reformer Pilates is performed on well-designed equipment. Currently, this facility is available only in a handful of Pilates studios in Kerala. 

Health benefits
Pilates is not a workout form that could aid weight loss; instead, it strengthens the body. As it works the core muscles, Pilates is excellent for improving reproductive health. It could even ease the health problems caused by sitting for hours in the office. However, experts advise against completely giving up gym workouts in favour of Pilates. Most people working out in gyms forget to strengthen their core. Experts say that practising Pilates along with cardio workouts and weight training will improve the body’s flexibility and balance.