When it comes to your workout routine, why settle for anything less than training that keeps you fit—body, mind, and soul? For full-body strength training that improves flexibility, strengthens and tones muscles, and promotes focus, look no further than Pilates classes at Santa Barbara Athletic Club.
Benefits of Pilates Classes
It’s hard to overstate the benefits of Pilates, which physical trainer Joseph Pilates developed in the early 20th century. The technique focuses on body mechanics and core strength to improve posture and build strength and flexibility. SBAC is proud to offer private and semi-private classes in Pilates technique, both on the mat and using specialized Reformer equipment for resistance training.
What is Pilates?
Pilates involves a series of controlled movement exercises that focus on core strength. It’s especially good for targeting the abs, lower back, hips, and glutes. Although the technique is low-impact, it can have cardiovascular benefits. And when practiced regularly, Pilates also improves flexibility and balance.
Classes can take place on a mat, sometimes using resistance bands, blocks, weights, and other precisely placed devices for stretching long muscles. However, special equipment is not strictly necessary.
Advanced Pilates classes may also use the Reformer. This large piece of equipment has a moveable carriage, straps, and bars that provide an intense (and incredibly efficient) full-body workout.
Recover stronger
There’s a reason that Pilates is beloved by dancers and athletes recovering from injury. In the hands of expert instructors, it can restore strength and flexibility, even while recovering from surgery or an injury. Routines can be fine-tuned to protect and then gradually strengthen, preventing re-injury.
Mental Benefits of Pilates
Pilates isn’t just great for your physical health. It can also help you get into the zone mentally, boosting your focus and concentration. Because exercises are calibrated so precisely, Pilates workouts are great for developing body awareness.
A good instructor will explain each move’s underlying mechanics and what, sometimes obscure, muscle group you’re working. Like yoga and other slow-moving modalities, Pilates demands attention to detail.
A skilled instructor can tailor Pilates to every skill level. Whether you’re athletic or not, young or old, in good health or recovering from injury—this may be one secret to its lasting popularity.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun full-body workout that will leave you feeling not only fit but confident and clear-headed, Pilates may be for you. In the Santa Barbara area? Check out our selection of private and semi-private Pilates classes. The highly trained instructors at the Santa Barbara Athletic Club can’t wait to meet you.