Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing body awareness.
There is, however, only limited evidence to support the use of Pilates to alleviate problems such as lower back pain.
While studies have found that regular sessions improve balance, and can help muscle conditioning in healthy adults, it has not been shown to be an effective treatment for any medical condition.
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates from Germany.
Pilates exercises typically involve controlled movements, precise alignment, and breath control.
They can be done on a mat or using specialized equipment such as the reformer, Cadillac, or Wunda chair.
Each apparatus is designed to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening, body alignment and increased core strength started by mat work.
The exercises aim to improve body posture, balance, and overall strength.
It can help develop long, lean muscles, improve flexibility and coordination, increase core strength, and enhance body awareness.
It can be beneficial for individuals rehabilitating from injuries or managing certain medical conditions.
If practiced consistently, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance in the entire body.
Its emphasis is on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance.
The core, consists of the muscles of the abdomen, low back and hips, and is thought to be the key to a person’s stability.
For the treatment of lower back pain,
it is no more effective than other forms of physical exercise.
There is some evidence that regular sessions can help condition the abdominal muscles of healthy people, when compared to doing no exercise.
There is no good evidence that it helps improve balance in elderly people.
Yoga, like Pilates, is a mind-and-body discipline, though yoga is more likely to address spiritual aspects explicitly.
Some poses are similar in the two disciplines.
Both disciplines develop strength, flexibility and fitness.
Pilates, however, emphasizes core strength where yoga emphasizes flexibility.