Pilates is the people pleaser of today’s workout world. There are classes available at every gym and health professionals — such as physiotherapists and osteopaths — are setting up combined practices with pilates studios. Madonna and Gwyneth may swear by the total body benefits, but is pilates your best bet for exercise? Let’s take a look at some interesting research that says pilates has a place in your fitness routine.
The importance of three types of exercise
To lose weight (or to be effective at managing a healthy weight) there is no denying the power of exercise. The best approach is to achieve significant energy and fat-burning benefits from regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. For best results, you should also add in strength and flexibility training. Pilates certainly builds a strong core and increases flexibility, but despite participants feeling they are working hard, the cardio portion of the workout is often missing.
Huff and puff to blow the weight away
One study looking at the intensity of different levels of pilates classes measured heart rates and oxygen consumption at each session. The data as reported in Nutrition Today showed that the average percentage of maximum heart rate was 54 percent with the advanced class eliciting a higher response of 62 percent — both below recommended levels. Target heart rates for fitness and health gains are between 70 and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Maximum heart rate is calculated as 220 beats per minute (bpm) minus your age. A heart rate monitor is an easy way to keep track of your heart rate while you’re exercising.
Mix it up
The take-home message is that pilates is a valuable and popular form of exercise, but you need to consider the power of three for all-round fitness, good health and weight management. When you combine your weekly pilates sessions with brisk walking or other gym classes that work you at a target heart rate, you’ll be well on track.
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