8) And Breathe...
You might not think breathing rhythms are important but healthy lung function relies on strong muscles in the trunk and abdomen. A study last year in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found Pilates improves the strength of muscles controlling breathing.
4) Soothes Sore Backs
Studies show it's one of the best ways to ease back pain. As core muscles get stronger, they take some of the strain off the lower back, relieving chronic pain. A study of lower back pain sufferers found most got significant relief from frequent Pilates sessions.
For some specific back relieving postures, click here for postures to help back pain
1)Boosts Bone Density
Developed in the 20 century by Joseph Pilates, the strength-building programme was initially invented to help people recover from injury. But it's not just muscles that benefit - Turkish Scientists recently found it boosts bone density too. That is important for women who have been through the menopause and are at increasing risk of the bone-thinning osteoporosis.
For more information on bone strengthening click here to see "Bone health"
6)Keeps your Brain healthy
Scientists in Croatia recently discovered older women with early signs of dementia had better memory function if they regularly practised Pilates. It is thought to be due to better blood flow - and therefore oxygen - to the brain.
7)Sit up straight
Spending the day hunched over a computer can leave you in agony. Pilates corrects poor posture by improving core strength and flexibility, reducing the urge to slump in front of the keyboard.
Click here to discover how "Sitting can damage your health" and my "antidote to sitting video"
3)Gives you abs of steel
Pilates is a sure-fire route to a ripped stomach, according to Korean researchers. They found practising Pilates breathing techniques (deep breaths that expand the ribcage) while doing sit-ups three times a week increased activation of muscles in the torso.
If you are looking for some Pilates inspiration click on either of the links below:
2)Keeps you steady on your feet.
As we age, good balance becomes key to protecting us against falls. Pilates is one of the best ways to bolster core strength, according to recent research in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity. It found 60 year-olds had better balance and stability if they attended Pilates classes regularly.
5) Banishes high blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the world's biggest killers. But Pilates can keep it under control by dilating arteries and boosting blood flow. It's biggest attraction? Studies suggest people are much less likely to abandon it than other forms of strenuous exercise.
Click here for information on Heart health
(Source: The Mail on Sunday January 2018)
10 Reasons to do Pilates.
9)It's a perfect pick-me-up
Pilates isn't just for the body - it benefits the mind too. A study last year showed elderly women were less likely to get depressed if they took part in weekly sessions over a four-month period.
For my information on "beating depression" click here
10) And Bolster your libido
Pilates can even put the zing back into your love life. Research shows pre-menopausal women have stronger libido and better sexual function if they regularly attend classes.