Pilates is More than Just Core

The word “Pilates” has somehow become synonymous with core strength. In fact, a LOT of my regular clients come to me initially because their doctor (or chiropractor, massage therapist, or physiotherapist…) told them that they need to work on their core strength. This recommendation in itself usually comes on the heels of recurring back pain.

So… Does Pilates make your core stronger? HECK YES! But guess what? Pilates will make your WHOLE BODY stronger, too.

Pilates for Full Body Strength

When you practice Pilates, each and every exercise incorporates the full body; the core just happens to be at the centre of that. Core = Centre! This is one of the reasons I love Pilates so much; no matter what your body shape or type, or no matter your goals – it can help you achieve better body balance, movement, and strength.

• Golf = Posture + Flexibility
• Biking = Posture + Strength
• Running = Posture + Breathing

You may see a theme here; your posture (your core) really IS connected to everything we do. Even sitting at the computer, we are using a variety of muscles. Why not use ALL of them correctly to alleviate strains, weak areas, and imbalance?

Practice, Not Perfection

As a beginner, Pilates can be overwhelming. A new class… New movements… A new teacher! The beautiful thing about Pilates is that the more you practice, the more aware you will become of your body – both in class and out.

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Once you get past all of that newness, you will sink into the movements and feel them in MORE PLACES than just your core. The core is just the starting place! The exercises you once thought were easy become more difficult, because you are learning how to use your body more fully.

We say that Pilates is a PRACTICE, because there is not an end point. It is a dance with your body; the more you learn the exercises, the more comfortable (and uncomfortable!) you become with how you are moving throughout the day and in your activities. Luckily, this dance is one that keeps you moving forward, introducing strength, balance, and flexibility in places you had ignored for years (maybe even decades).

You Aren’t Alone

Like anything new, Pilates can be intimidating at first. There are a LOT of new terms and exercises that you may never have heard of before. Oh – and you will FEEL it the next day, I promise!

Pilates is very much an individual workout, but you will not be walking the journey alone. As an instructor, it is my honour to guide you to learn the choreography of each exercise and give you tools and techniques to meet you where you are now – and where you want to go.

Pilates is More Than Core

Your doctor was right – Pilates WILL make your core stronger. Along with your your arms, back, butt, and legs! Your flexibility will improve. You will have better posture, be stronger, breathe deeper, and move with more ease. And, as a result of all of that – your back pain will improve.

So will your golf swing. And your biking time. And your running gait.

Pilates will help you build a strong core, yes – but your full body will be stronger, leading to increased performance, fewer injuries, and more ENJOYMENT in all you do.