Chances are you know someone who does Pilates reformer classes in Long Beach or you have at least heard of it. Still, you might not be totally sure what it is and how it might benefit your health and fitness.
Interestingly, Pilates reformers weren’t initially created with the idea of everyday exercise in mind. It was actually invented as a way to help soldiers in rehab after WWI. Then it was used mainly for dancers who had suffered injuries. Pilates’ popularity grew from there, and it wasn’t long before people realized that anyone could benefit from this low-impact exercise.
We as humans tend to live along a single plane of movement, working the same muscles every day. These repetitive movements are what make us so leg and chest dominant. Ever notice how you drive, possibly leaning to one side? What about how you carry your children or laptop bag?
The goal of taking Pilates reformer classes is to balance your muscles by targeting and strengthening the ones you don’t usually use in your day-to-day life but would benefit from them being stronger.
What is Pilates and Which Muscles Does it Work?
Pilates is a type of exercise in which you perform a series of controlled movements that flow into one another with precision. As far as what muscles Pilates works, it’s technically considered a total body workout.
In working the entire body, though, Pilates’ movements are primarily designed to target your core muscles, including your:
- Abdominal muscles
- Hip muscles
- Gluteal muscles
- Lower and upper back muscles
- Inner thigh muscles
- Shoulder muscles
The goal in a Pilates reformer class is to be in total control of your body as you move. That requires beginning from your central core muscles and using the stability these muscles provide to smoothly control your arms, legs, and other extremities.
This is no easy feat, which is what makes taking Pilates reformer classes in Long Beach a great way to build strength and stamina. The core muscles are those muscles closest to the bones. Pilates reformer classes will strengthen all muscles, but with specific emphasis on the smaller muscles that support the larger muscles we often overuse.
Get Strong With Pilates Reformer Classes
Pilates reformer classes help us build strength. An increase in muscle mass boosts a person’s resting metabolism, meaning they burn more energy in a relaxed state like sitting. Burning more fuel means they have a better opportunity to create a caloric deficit for their body to lose fat.
Lose Fat and Increase Metabolism
The number of calories practitioners burn in one Pilates reformer class may be less than in other cardio forms. However, Pilates is a tool to make long-term changes in the composition of one’s body. Pilates reformer classes focus on targeting key areas, abs, back, glutes, hips, and pelvis, while still giving your body a full workout and building muscle in addition to fixing habitual movement patterns that lead to injury.
Healthy fat loss that sticks is achievable gradually over time with a consistent focus on overall wellness. If someone is looking to lose fat, it is essential to build muscle, prevent injury, and create an energy deficit. As a Pilates reformer class enthusiast, you can do this by creating a routine that includes Pilates reformer classes with a healthy diet.
Take Pilates Reformer Classes in Long Beach
Five Starr Pilates offers a number of options for our Pilates reformer classes, including private or group orientation to get you familiarized with the equipment and workouts.
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