Why Everyone Should Be Doing Pilates
Movement that meets you where you are—and builds from there.
Sure, Pilates may not be everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay. We all have different preferences when it comes to movement. But here’s what I know: nearly everyone could benefit from a Pilates practice. Whether you’re new to exercise, recovering from an injury, or training for a marathon, Pilates has something valuable to offer.
At Method Wellness, we see Pilates as more than just a workout. It’s a healing, breath-centered, functional movement practice that supports your body from the inside out.
Breath: The Starting Point for Strength
In Pilates, every movement begins with intentional breath. Why? Because breath is a tool for activating the deep core, calming the nervous system, and improving movement precision. When you learn to breathe diaphragmatically—expanding your ribs and engaging your core on the exhale—you create stability in your spine and pelvis.
“Breathing correctly helps activate deep abdominal muscles, promotes better movement patterns, and improves focus and endurance.”
— Cleveland Clinic, 2023
This connection between breath and movement is what makes Pilates powerful—and deeply therapeutic.
Functional Movement You’ll Feel Off the Mat
Pilates helps you move better in real life—not just in class. By focusing on joint mobility, muscle control, and body awareness, Pilates strengthens the muscles you use every day: standing, walking, reaching, lifting, or getting up from the floor.
It’s known to improve balance, coordination, and neuromuscular control, making everyday movement feel smoother and more intentional.
A systematic review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2019) found that Pilates significantly improved functional movement and dynamic balance across age groups.
Stronger Core = Stronger You
Pilates is famous for its core work—and for good reason. It targets the deep stabilizing muscles like the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor, which support your spine and create a strong foundation for all movement.
Unlike traditional ab workouts that focus on crunches or sit-ups, Pilates teaches you to engage your core from a place of breath and control, reducing strain on the neck and back.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that strengthening these muscles improves posture, reduces injury risk, and can alleviate chronic back pain.
Posture Support for Modern Life
Whether you're spending long hours at a desk, driving, or on your feet, poor posture takes a toll on your spine, shoulders, and energy levels. Pilates works to undo the effects of daily life by strengthening your back, core, and shoulder stabilizers.
You'll stand taller, move more efficiently, and reduce tension in common “pain zones” like the neck and lower back.
“Pilates helps correct muscular imbalances and improves postural alignment.” — Harvard Health Publishing, 2021
Low-Impact Strength with High Impact Results
Pilates is low-impact, making it safe for joints and accessible for nearly every body. Yet don’t be fooled—this practice builds serious strength, particularly in stabilizing muscles often underused in traditional workouts.
This makes it ideal for:
Injury recovery or prevention
Cross-training for athletes
Prenatal or postpartum movement
Aging bodies that need strength without stress
Healing from the Inside Out
Perhaps one of Pilates’ most overlooked benefits is its ability to heal. Because it combines mindfulness, breath, and functional strength, Pilates can be a powerful tool in recovering from:
Back pain
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Stress or nervous system dysregulation
Studies published in Physical Therapy and International Urogynecology Journal show that Pilates can significantly improve pelvic floor function and reduce chronic lower back pain.
At Method Wellness, we’ve seen firsthand how a consistent mat Pilates practice transforms not just bodies—but confidence, posture, and peace of mind.
Start Where You Are
The beauty of Pilates is that it meets you where you are—whether on your living room floor, in a studio, or recovering from a life change. It doesn’t demand perfection. It invites presence. And it builds strength that supports your whole life, not just your workout.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Back pain and core strengthening. MayoClinic.org.
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). What is Pilates? clevelandclinic.org
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Why Pilates is good for your body and your brain.
Cruz-Ferreira et al. (2011). Effect of Pilates-based exercises on pain and disability in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review. Physical Therapy.
Stüpp et al. (2011). Effect of Pilates on pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance. International Urogynecology Journal.
Wells et al. (2019). The effectiveness of Pilates exercise in people with chronic low back pain: a systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
