If you are a cardio fanatic or a single-activity gym goer, the information in this article is for you. Your body requires and deserves a workout that develops all of its potential movement patterns, also known as multi-planar exercise. Pilates is almost certainly your cardio panacea. The human body is designed to be multi-planar. Your spine was designed to flex forward and backward as well as side to side. It has complete freedom to twist and revolve. Our forefathers put their bodies to good use as hunter-gatherers and, more recently, as laborers who worked their land and herds to secure the survival of themselves and their families.
Consider how early men and women used their bodies differently when we assumed fitness-focused positions on equipment such as treadmills, bicycles, and elliptical machines. Of course, there are benefits to our muscles and cardiovascular systems. Still, in terms of keeping a healthy, functional musculoskeletal system capable of all potential planes of movement, your typical cardio workout leaves a lot to be desired.
Treadmill Running/Walking
The front and back of the lower body are used, and there must be some rotation to move the legs, yet this is a single-plane action. In contrast, Pilates mat practice in a group class encourages you to bend forward and backward and train your upper body, core, and lower body for a complete balanced strengthening regimen.
Cycling
While the legs move continuously, the upper body does little more than flex and round. On the contrary, a Pilates reformer routine, such as one performed in a private training session, incorporates every developmental sequence available. You’ll lie down, kneel, sit, and stand, using weighted springs to provide varying resistance in each plane of motion.
Elliptical
Elliptical machines provide a bit more rotation and can even exercise the upper body, but only if you actively use the arms and moving grips to complete the workout. You improve your strength, stretch, coordination, and balance as you twist, bend, and move in various directions. These workouts are optional for you to move your body in any possible configurations. None of the cardio exercises listed above will enable you to side bend or backbend your spine. The hip joints are never allowed to externally or internally rotate, nor are they allowed to open or close in abduction or adduction. They only do two things: flex and extend. Consider the Pilates system, which delivers all of its equipment in an ordered circuit, and you’ll see how multi-planar training generates truly healthy body movements designed for optimal operation.
It Is All About Real Life
We must be capable of moving efficiently in all directions in real life. You engage in various movements when you participate in a sport or a social dance. All your muscles and joints get equal or at least some time on the field. Pilates achieves the same result but inside a different training paradigm. While Pilates is systemic and symmetrical, you will quickly understand which sections of your body are tighter or weaker than others. In addition, you will immediately understand which actions are complicated and thus require the most effort. There’s no reason to abandon your aerobic regimen; it benefits your heart and body. However, take note of the gains and improvements you achieve when you combine cardio workouts with Pilates. Pilates is all about improving performance.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Start by trying just incorporating one Pilates workout into your weekly schedule. Consider it your cardio rehabilitation program. Doing your own multi-dimensional workout is straightforward if you know how to do Pilates. However, working out in this manner is a taster for your body. Progress to three pilates sessions every week to see how you feel and, more importantly, how your body reacts.
