Pilates, in theory, is about slow and controlled movements; however, the health and wellness rewards are truly supercharged. Try your hand at the reformer, which is a special pilates device with adjustable intensity, and your body will feel the burn in an entirely new way. Louise Keats, Nutritionist, Wellness Coach, and Co-Founder and Director of Vive Active Australia, explains to the CF team that at Vive Active they’ve amped up the benefits further by combining the science of reformer pilates with the best principles of strength training and HIIT, for the ultimate results-driven workout.

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“If you’re looking for a workout that’s as addictive as it is effective (think mirrored ceilings, a world-class light show, award-winning interiors, and epic tunes pumping through our premium sound systems), then this is the place for you,” Says Louise.

With an emphasis on body alignment and strength building, as well as bringing some serious fun into your daily exercise routine, consider pilates your hour of power to focus on just yourself. The benefits for women, in particular, are significant, and Louise has pulled together a list of the top seven reasons to invest in pilates today. 

Vive Active Reformer Pilates Benefits

1. Long lean muscles

The movements involved in a pilates workout essentially stretch and strengthen your limbs simultaneously, the end result being toned muscles from tip to toe, compared to weight based workouts which can shorten muscles. Our Vive clients often remark how they walk away feeling lighter, longer, and less tense as a result of the stretching power involved. 

2. Rock hard abs 

A lot of the exercises involved in a pilates workout really target your tummy and make for a killer core workout every time. Generating greater stability and strength in your mid-section translates to great posture and standing tall, as well as establishing a better foundation for other workouts and sports beyond your pilates practice. 

3. Flexibility for days

You won’t walk away as a human pretzel, but we can confirm you’ll be able to bend and stretch in ways like never before. Pushed to your limits, every pilates session is an opportunity to beat your personal best and find your flow, loosen up those joints, and attend to any problem areas that may need some extra attention (dreaded hammies, we’re looking at you). 

4. Glutes of steel

Glutes are a major focus during reformer workouts not just because we know everyone loves a lifted, peachy bottom, but because they play a hugely important functional role. When your glutes are weak, other muscles such as your hip flexors, quads and ITB can become overactive which can wind up leaving you with back pain and knee pain. Stronger glutes not only give you an instant lift, they also improve your overall stability and make you far less prone to injury.

5. Prevent pain and injury

Many people tend to focus on refining major muscle groups, the big ones that people can see, however pilates attacks and supports all the smaller ones, the ones that you need to strengthen for everyday support and optimal functioning. Mobility is a priority and pilates is renowned for treating any niggling aches and pains. 

6. Catching more Z’s

Like many workouts, pilates is a great aid for helping you unwind and get a better sleep at the end of a hectic day. The reduced levels of mental and physical stress after pilates, as well as the relaxed body, is what allows your brain to slip into a comfortable slumber.  

7. Greater sexual satisfaction

Pilates strengthens your pelvic floor muscles and your pelvic floor muscles strengthen your sex life – simple as that! By increasing the blood flow to the region and improving tightening, sexual arousal is heightened. 

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