Is Pilates good for your heart?

February is heart health month and a great time to check in on your own heart health.  The current statistics regarding high blood pressure, physical inactivity or under-activity, and cardiac disease are staggering and have been increasing during the pandemic.  The good news is more and more research is showing the benefits of exercise for a wide variety of chronic health conditions.  According to the 2nd edition of the Physical Guidelines for Americans

• Some movement is better than no movement

  • Current guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise and 2 sessions of strength training each week for adults 18-64 with bouts as short as 10 minutes in length contributing to this total.

  • Adults 65 and older are encouraged to add in a balance practice 1x/week also

• Physical activity in adults has been shown to

  • improve heart health

  • lower blood pressure

  • reduce anxiety

  • reduce blood pressure

  • improve quality of sleep

  • lowers the risk of falls

  • reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke

  • reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes

So where does Pilates fit in to all this?  A 2015 article in the International Journal of Cardiology looked at the benefits of mat Pilates in women with high blood pressure.  They found a 2x/week program for 16 weeks was effective at lowering blood pressure in the exercise group (as well as many other benefits).  

While not all Pilates classes operate at the same intensity, remember that benefits such as decreasing emotional stress, physical tension, and improved breathing are also factors that positively contribute to your heart health. 

Whether you are just thinking about starting a Pilates practice or are ready to increase your practice intensity we have a class to fit your needs.  Check out our jumpboard or advanced classes to really get your heart pumping or try one of our beginner or equipment flow classes to focus on your mind-body connection.  Not sure where to start?  Schedule a Discovery Session today to meet with an instructor and learn more about how Pilates can help you meet your fitness goals.

Call us at 303-993-2237 to set up an appointment today!