09 Aug, 2024
The benefits of Pilates for metabolism
Pilates has long been celebrated for its focus on core strength, flexibility and overall body awareness. However, less commonly discussed is the benefit of Pilates on metabolism. Let’s delve into how Pilates can boost your metabolic health and contribute to your overall wellbeing, with Pilates by Bel.
HealthHow Pilates Boosts Your Metabolism
- Muscle Building and Maintenance
One of the key elements of Pilates is building strong, lean muscles. More muscle means a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the number of calories your body burns just to keep you alive. A higher BMR means you burn more calories at rest.
- Improved Posture
Good posture is more than just standing and sitting up straight; it influences how well your body functions. Poor posture can lead to inefficient breathing and reduced oxygen flow to the muscles, which can slow down metabolism. Pilates helps you stand tall and breathe deeply, ensuring your body gets the oxygen it needs to function efficiently and keep your metabolism humming.
- Core Strength and Stability
A strong core not only helps with balance and stability, but also supports a more efficient metabolism. Core exercises in Pilates engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to higher calorie burn and improved metabolic rate. Plus, a strong core can prevent injuries, keeping you active and burning calories.
- Mobility and Flexibility
Flexibility exercises in Pilates increase your range of motion, allowing you to move more freely and effectively. This means you can work out harder and longer without getting injured, which keeps your metabolism firing on all cylinders.
- Stress Relief
Stress is a metabolism killer. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can lead to a sluggish metabolism and possible weight gain. Pilates encourages you to connect to your breath and to execute movements with a strong mind-body connection. This helps to clear your head, lower cortisol levels and provide stress relief. Less stress = a happier, more efficient metabolism.
Tips to Turbocharge Your Pilates Results for Optimal Metabolism
- Consistency
Aim to do Pilates at least three times a week. Regular practice builds lean mass, improves posture and enhances flexibility, all of which are important for a faster metabolism.
- Mix it Up
Incorporate a variety of Pilates exercises. This not only keeps things interesting but also challenges different muscle groups, preventing plateaus and keeping your metabolism ticking.
- Add Cardio
While Pilates is amazing, adding some cardio to your routine can level up your metabolism even more. Activities like walking, running and cycling increase your heart rate and burn additional calories, complementing the strengthening + toning benefits of Pilates.
Building lean muscle and reducing stress are just a few of the powerful benefits of pilates that support a healthier metabolism. Understanding what pilates is and practising regularly can help you feel stronger and more energised. Combine your routine with our healthy meal prep to maximise your results and feel your best every day.