INTRODUCTION
If you are looking for a fun and energetic way to workout, then you need to start with Pilates. People in Singapore always have the quest to try out different fitness styles. One among them is Pilates. This is a low-impact workout that burns calories and is suitable for people of all fitness levels. If you feel bored training with the same workouts every day, then you need to definitely try this. This is one of the most convenient form of exercises as it involves stretching, flexibility exercises. This form of exercise will improve overall body strength and flexibility.
Let us explore what pilates is and what are the benefits of doing it from the blog.
WHAT IS MEANT BY PILATES?
Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It is a low-impact exercise form that targets overall body fitness. The main benefits of pilates are that it strengthens the core, improves flexibility, and promotes overall well-being. These exercises greatly help improve alignment, body posture, and balance, which are the primary goals of any workout. Even if you are a busy professional in Singapore, try to incorporate pilates into your fitness routine.
WHY TRY PILATES IN SINGAPORE?
In a city like Singapore where people are always on the lookout for new trends, pilates could be one of the best options. This is gaining a lot of attention among Singaporeans due to various benefits. It is a great choice for those who are a beginner to fitness or recovering from an injury.
Here are some of the reasons why Pilates is getting a lot of attention among Singaporeans:
Low-Impact Exercises: This is one of the low-impact and beginner-friendly exercises. Also, people with existing injury conditions can try these exercises without any doubt.
Relieves Stress: Pilates or any other form of exercise will help in improving your mental health. In Pilates, you need to work on breathing patterns which will help in calming your mind, ultimately relieving stress.
Suitable for All Ages: Unlike any other form of training, Pilates can be done by anyone irrespective of age and fitness levels. Whether you are in your 20’s or 60’s, you can include this into your fitness routine.
BENEFITS OF PILATES
If you are including Pilates into your fitness journey, you get to benefit in many ways and it includes:
Improving Core Strength: Pilates exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles, especially the abdomen, lower back and pelvis. This will lead to better posture and improved balance which is essential for your daily physical activity.
Increasing flexibility: Your body feels rigid if you are not involved in any physical activity. This will affect your daily routine. You might start feeling difficulties in doing your routine work. But when you start doing this form of exercise, your body flexibility improves and you will start feeling more comfortable.
Enhancing Body Posture: If you are a working professional, you will be spending most of your work hours at the desk which will result in improper body posture. Pilates will help you improve your body posture and spine health.
Better Balance and Coordination: Any workout that you do requires balance and coordination which will help in perfecting the workout. Pilates will help in maintaining your body balance which will improve your fitness performance.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE MAT-BASED PILATES?
Thinking if it is even possible to try pilates without equipment? The answer is yes, it is possible. You can try mat-based pilates. This is one of the beginner-friendly forms practised in Singapore. All you need is your body weight to try the exercises.
Here are some of the reasons to choose mat-based pilates:
- Mat-based Pilates is the most affordable option compared to traditional Pilates which uses equipment.
- You can try mat-based Pilates anywhere – at home, condo-gym, outdoors etc.
- Mat-based pilates involves fundamentals of pilates movements, that focus on proper form, breathing and core strengthening.
BASIC MAT-BASED PILATES EXERCISES FOR BEGINNERS
The following are the basic mat-based pilates which you can try as a beginner.
The Hundred: This is one of the exercises which will help in strengthening the core muscles.
How to do it: You need to lie on your back with your legs raised above the floor. Now pump your arms in small movements. You need to do this while tucking in your core tightly.
The Roll-Up: This exercise will target your core and stretch your spine.
How to do it: Lie on the floor with your back. Now, slowly roll up from a lying position to a sitting position, and then roll back down one vertebra at a time.
Leg Circles: This exercise will improve flexibility in your hips and legs.
How to do it: Lie down on your back, extend one leg and make small circles while keeping your core engaged.
Plank: This is one of the best exercises to engage your core muscles.
How to do it: Keep your body in a straight line and make sure you engage your glutes and core.
MISTAKES TO AVOID
If you are following any form of exercise, you need to keep in mind to perfect the workout. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid while doing Pilates.
Poor Core Engagement: One of the most common mistakes that anyone will make is not focusing on engaging the core muscles. Pilates is all about activating your core muscles to protect your back and improve movement.
Incorrect Posture: It is possible to get injured if you do not concentrate on achieving proper posture. You need to correct your posture in order to avoid straining your muscles.
Over-extending: Pilates should never cause pain. Avoid pushing yourself off-limits, especially if you are a beginner. Focus on achieving proper form instead of intensity.
HOW CAN ATHLEADERS HELP IN ELEVATING YOUR PILATES JOURNEY
At Athleaders, we have personal trainers who will come to your doorstep and train you with workouts. You can get a Pilates personal trainer right to your home, condo-gym or even outdoors. We have certified personal trainers in Singapore who specialise in mat-based Pilates. We have conducted a group outdoor mat-pilates session. If you are looking for a personal trainer who can help you with mat-based pilates, then contact Athleaders now! +65 9890 7224
CONCLUSION
Pilates is a wonderful workout that offers various benefits for people of all ages. No matter your fitness levels, pilates will work for you. With the right guidance and consistency, you can ace your Pilates game!