Les Mills Pilates - The timeless trend packed with benefits
It’s been over 100 years since Joseph Pilates debuted his unique approach to building strength and stamina. Now it's become one of the most sought-after ways to train. Find out why Pilates is so popular – and how to enjoy the benefits without paying a pricy Pilates studio membership.
Pilates involves a collection of low-impact exercises that coordinate movement and breath. The focus is on building strength and mobility, improving postural alignment and strengthening core stabilising muscles.
HOW YOUR BODY BENEFITS FROM PILATES
On top of being an incredible way to build core strength, increase mobility and enhance feelings of wellness, scientific studies show Pilates can do everything from improving sleep to lift your cognitive function and boost immunity.
Pilates is also good for helping improve body awareness. Dancer and trainer Summer Bradley says this is such a powerful benefit: “Not only does it help me feel more in control, it helps me avoid injury and train more effectively in other workouts. Moving with control gives me the time to correct my alignment and has strengthened my core and glutes.”
"Pilates improves function, alignment, core strength, posture, control, concentration, breath … there are so many benefits." Glen Ostergaard
- Pilates can improve balance and body awareness. The focus on mindful movement and breath enhances proprioception and heightens awareness of how your body moves. This can prevent injuries and falls, which is particularly important as we age.
- Pilates can increase mobility as you use slow and controlled stretching movements to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles at the same time. While improved flexibility doesn't necessarily provide any functional benefit, increased mobility is valuable as it improves the movement of your joints.
- Pilates can reduce stress and boost your mood, energy and motivation. During Pilates, your nervous system responds to the focus on breathwork by lowering cortisol levels, which will reduce stress over time. And, like with any exercise, the increased oxygen flow and blood circulation stimulate feel-good endorphins and give you a boost of energy. A study of students showed Pilates can boost motivation, achievement and cognitive function.
- Pilates can perk up your posture by strengthening postural muscles and bringing attention to your body alignment. With improved posture, you reduce the risks of headaches, as well as shoulder and back pain.
- Pilates can reduce injury risk by using strength-building exercises to increase the support and stability of your joints as they move. This makes it particularly beneficial for sportspeople and exercisers.
- Pilates can ease lower back pain. Physical activity is considered the magic lotion for back pain. Because Pilates engages the deep core and pelvic floor muscles, it’s a powerful way to build strength and this can help stabilize the back.
Pilates teacher Yayoi Matches says Pilates is a remarkable way for people to improve awareness of their body. “Working out is not always about how much you sweat, how much strain you put your body through or pushing for fast results. Life is actually really long, and for us to live a long life filled with love and energy we must understand that this starts from the mind – a connection to body within.”
Yayoi uses Pilates as an opportunity to listen to her body. “It’s a time to understand your needs, to truly give what is calling. Whether it’s just to breathe and tune into your nervous system, or to engage your whole body and use energy to awaken and vitalize.”
Glen Ostergaard, who leads the creation of workouts like BODYPUMP™, RPM™ and LES MILLS SPRINT™ is also a big Pilates advocate. "With Pilates, you can improve your body’s function without having to exhaust yourself. It’s about how you do the move, not how many reps or how hard you go.” Glen says Pilates exercises are great in isolation and to complement other forms of exercise. “It improves function, alignment, core strength, posture, control, concentration, breath … there are so many benefits." Glen suggests that anyone just starting out begins slowly, identifies their own strength and flexibility ranges and works within them, as well as staying consistent.
TOP PILATES WORKOUTS TO TRY
LES MILLS PILATES™ features classic mat Pilates movements – with a twist. With core moves, unique music and supportive coaching it takes the Pilates experience to a whole new level. There’s no need for expensive equipment, and each workout has been tested and iterated to leave you feeling strong, uplifted and calm. LES MILLS PILATES is coming soon to a fitness club near you.
LES MILLS SHAPES™ brings together elements of Pilates, barre and power yoga. It is intense and athletic, yet with low-impact movements that build endurance and control. Try LES MILLS SHAPES on LES MILLS+ or find a class near you.
BODYBALANCE™ is a combination of yoga and Pilates-based movements with elements of Tai Chi. BODYBALANCE uses nothing but bodyweight exercises to improve strength and flexibility. The focus is not on muscular burn, it’s about moving well with a body and mind
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS BEST FOR PILATES?
You can do LES MILLS PILATES with as little as a mat. Workouts like LES MILLS SHAPES make use of light weight plates, sculpt bands or resistance bands and slider discs to replicate the movements you do on a reformer (you can also use socks on carpet to get a similar effect).
Ready to get started? Check out our Les Mills equipment to send you on your journey.
