Pilates has been gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts in recent years for its immense health benefits. As per the fitness tracking app, there has been a steep increase in people doing Pilates as more and more people are now opting for this non-cardio workout to stay fit.
Many people wonder whether Pilates is superior to cardio and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Pilates is a low-impact exercise focusing on core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness that has proven to support weight loss sustainably.
Let’s delve into this article to know what Pilates is, why it’s gaining popularity, and its benefits for overall health while comparing it with cardio and HIIT.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of exercise formulated by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It emphasizes controlled movements, core stabilization, and mindful breathing. This form of workout can be done using a mat or a special tool like the Reformer, which optimises resistance to movements.
Also Read: Pilates: 5 Reasons Why You Should Try These Workouts
Pilates is a blend of around 50 simple, repetitive exercises aimed at enhancing muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, posture and balance. It is usually adapted for mild rehabilitation or intense workouts for athletes. Though research cautiously supports its incentives for flexibility and core stability, stronger studies are limited due to a lack of strong studies.
Why is Pilates Gaining Popularity?
Pilates emphasizes mental focus, helping individuals improve their awareness and coordination while reducing stress.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Pilates offers modifications and progressions to suit your needs.
With a focus on core strength and flexibility, Pilates helps improve posture and reduces the risk of injuries.
Also Read: Superb Exercises To Tone Down Your Legs And Thighs
Unlike many traditional workouts, Pilates integrates strength, flexibility, and mindfulness into a single session, appealing to individuals seeking a balanced routine.
Many celebrities credit Pilates for their toned physiques, boosting its popularity worldwide.
Benefits of Pilates for Overall Health
Pilates targets deep abdominal muscles, improving stability and reducing back pain. Improves physical coordination, balance and posture.
The controlled stretching movements promote joint mobility, flexibility and muscle elasticity. It is considered a safe rehabilitation for joint and spinal injuries.
Focusing on breathing and controlled movements helps lower stress levels and improve mental clarity. It calms the mind and body.
Promotes lung function, and capacity and improves blood circulation through deep breathing.
Strengthening core muscles and improving spinal alignment corrects posture over time. It is also beneficial in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.
Pilates enhances balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of falls and injuries.
Many physiotherapists recommend Pilates for its rehabilitative benefits, especially for recovering from injuries or surgeries.
Pilates vs. Cardio and HIIT: Which is Better?
Pilates is not better than cardio or HIIT, but it aids in lowering weight steadily. Moreover, it is the perfect regimen for all fitness levels, and it does not exert much energy.
Cardio
Benefits: Cardio workout is best known to augment cardiovascular health, burn calories, and improve endurance and performance.
Limitations: May not emphasize strength or flexibility as much as Pilates.
HIIT
Benefits: Offers quick and efficient calorie burning, builds strength, and enhances cardiovascular fitness.
Limitations: High impact and intensity can be challenging for beginners or those with joint issues.
Pilates
Pilates exercises come in numerous forms including classical, mat-based, equipment-based, reformer and clinical pilates, each one is customised to individual needs and fitness levels.
Benefits: Focuses on core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. It’s low impact, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Limitations: May not provide the same calorie burn or cardiovascular benefits as cardio or HIIT.
Conclusion
Pilates, cardio, and HIIT each have unique benefits, making them suitable for different fitness goals. Pilates excels in building core strength, flexibility, and improving posture while offering mental health benefits. Cardio and HIIT are better for cardiovascular health and calorie burning. The choice of workout depends on individual needs, fitness goals and preferences. Many people find that incorporating a combination of these workouts provides the best results for overall health and fitness.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
The effects of Pilates vs. aerobic training on cardiorespiratory fitness, isokinetic muscular strength, body composition, and functional tasks outcomes for individuals who are overweight/obese: a clinical trial
Angeles Bonal Rosell Rayes 1, Claudio Andre B de Lira 2,✉, Ricardo B Viana 2, Ana A Benedito-Silva 3, Rodrigo L Vancini 4, Naryana Mascarin 1, Marilia S Andrade 1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6397755/
Effect of different types of regular exercise on physical fitness in adults with overweight or obesity: Systematic review and meta‐analyses
Marleen A van Baak 1,✉, Adriyan Pramono 1, Francesca Battista 2, Kristine Beaulieu 3, John E Blundell 3, Luca Busetto 4,5, Eliana V Carraça 6, Dror Dicker 5,7, Jorge Encantado 8, Andrea Ermolao 2, Nathalie Farpour‐Lambert 5,9, Euan Woodward 5, Alice Bellicha 10,11, Jean‐Michel Oppert 12
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8365680/
