{"id":13634,"date":"2025-03-14T03:40:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T20:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=13634"},"modified":"2025-03-14T03:40:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T20:40:21","slug":"how-pilates-changed-my-body-why-i-got-certified","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=13634","title":{"rendered":"How Pilates Changed My Body (&#038; Why I Got Certified)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Pilates changed my body in ways I never expected\u2014stronger core, better posture, and a whole new appreciation for movement.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m a journalist by degree, but my career took a different path\u2014straight into the world of fitness. Sharing knowledge, helping people understand their bodies, and making sense of health and wellness has always been in my DNA.<\/p>\n<p>After my third child, I noticed a significant separation in my abdominal wall. As a fitness professional, I understood what had happened\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9498119\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81227\">diastasis recti<\/a>. What I didn\u2019t expect was how it would affect me. <\/p>\n<p>My core muscles felt weaker, my lower back ached more, and I realized I needed a new approach to regain control of my body. Enter: Pilates.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m going to walk you through my journey with Pilates, so you can see how powerful it might be for you too!<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-area block-area-table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-quinary-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-description=\"If you are like most people I train, you probably have no idea what the difference is between muscle strength and muscle endurance and quite frankly, you might not really care. However, the educator in me constantly talks about these two terms when leading workout sessions because you DO need to know the difference.\" alt=\"muscle strength vs muscle endurance woman squatting\" class=\"wp-image-42532\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-378x378.jpg 378w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-276x276.jpg 276w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance.jpg 1200w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-1024x1024.jpg\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-description=\"If you are like most people I train, you probably have no idea what the difference is between muscle strength and muscle endurance and quite frankly, you might not really care. However, the educator in me constantly talks about these two terms when leading workout sessions because you DO need to know the difference.\" src=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"muscle strength vs muscle endurance woman squatting\" class=\"wp-image-42532\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-378x378.jpg 378w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-276x276.jpg 276w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-my-pilates-misconception\">My Pilates Misconception<\/h2>\n<p>To be honest, I never saw myself as the \u201cPilates type.\u201d I pictured ballerinas with long lean muscles and effortless flexibility, and that was\u00a0<em>not<\/em>\u00a0me. But, what I did know was that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pilatesfoundation.com\/about-pilates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81228\">Pilates<\/a> was all about core strength, and that was exactly what I needed.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, I\u2019ve come to see how unfortunate it is that Pilates is often marketed as a way to achieve a \u201clong, lean\u201d look. Yes, it will help sculpt your muscles. But that couldn\u2019t be further from the real magic of Pilates. <\/p>\n<p>Pilates isn\u2019t about looking a certain way\u2014it\u2019s about moving well for\u00a0<em>life<\/em>. It\u2019s for every\u00a0<em>body<\/em>\u2014every gender, race, age, and ability.<\/p>\n<p>You see, <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/pilates-workout-beginners\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81229\">Pilates is about\u00a0body awareness<\/a>,\u00a0core engagement, and\u00a0coordinating movement with breath. It\u2019s about learning how your muscles work together and activating those deep stabilizing abdominal muscles that support you in everything you do. <\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s not something you can rush\u2014it takes time, practice, and patience.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-my-journey-to-pilates-certification\">My Journey to Pilates Certification<\/h2>\n<p>As is typical for me, once I experienced the power of Pilates firsthand, I wanted to share it with others. I decided to get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merrithew.com\/instructor-training\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81230\">Pilates certified<\/a>\u2014first in Mat Pilates and then in Reformer Pilates. <\/p>\n<p>The process of becoming a Pilates instructor took a full year. Learning all the precise movements, breath patterns and small little tweaks. It\u2019s graceful yet powerful. It\u2019s like a form of physical therapy in my mind. <\/p>\n<p>It transformed not only how I moved in Pilates class but also how I approached\u00a0all of my <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/strength-training-moves-for-women-over-50\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81231\">strength training<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/best-cardio-workouts-weight-loss\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81232\">cardio workouts<\/a>, and everyday movement.<\/p>\n<p>I started paying attention to my core engagement in every form of exercise I would do from weightlifting to <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/get-started-kickboxing\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81233\">kickboxing<\/a>. It became about whole body wellness. <\/p>\n<p>And, even though my ab separation would always be there to some degree, I was able to\u00a0strengthen my abs and back muscles, improve my posture, and eliminate my back pain.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fast-forward-25-years\">Fast-Forward 25 Years\u2026<\/h2>\n<p>Now, decades later, I appreciate Pilates even more. At this stage in life, <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/best-mobility-exercises-for-seniors\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81234\">joint mobility<\/a> and flexibility are\u00a0<em>everything<\/em>. As I always say,\u00a0\u201cmotion is lotion\u201d\u2014when you move your joints through a full range of motion, you stimulate synovial fluid production, keeping them lubricated and pain-free.<\/p>\n<p>Osteoarthritis? It\u2019s a common reality after 45, but Pilates can help ease the discomfort by keeping joints mobile and strong.<\/p>\n<p>And let\u2019s talk about\u00a0core strength\u2014it\u2019s the foundation of\u00a0everything\u00a0as we age. Pilates strengthens the\u00a0entire core, not just the abs, but the deep muscles that support your spine and help you move efficiently.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-contrology-concept\">The Contrology Concept<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joseph_Pilates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81235\">Joseph Pilates<\/a>, the creator of this method, originally called it\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3445206\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81236\">Contrology<\/a>\u2014the art of controlling your body with precision, coordination, and breath. His famous quote says it all:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIn 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you\u2019ll have a whole new body.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>I will tell you he is right. After about 30 sessions, you\u2019ve mastered the principals and something magical happens.<\/p>\n<p>I personally try to do one Pilates class a week. I am not perfect but having that goal makes me accountable to take the time to practice. Sometimes on the mat and sometimes on the reformer!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-benefits-of-pilates-amp-why-it-s-worth-your-time\">11 Benefits of Pilates &amp; Why It\u2019s Worth Your Time<\/h2>\n<p>Mastering the <a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/everything-you-want-to-know-about-pilates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81237\">practice of Pilates<\/a> comes with so many great benefits! Not only will you see gains in core strength, but other areas of your body as well.<\/p>\n<p>If I were trying to convince you to start Pilates, here\u2019s what I would tell you:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strengthens Your Core.<\/strong>\u00a0A strong core supports your spine, improves posture, and reduces back pain. Check out even more <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/best-core-exercises-for-seniors\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81238\">core exercises to build strength<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improves Your Posture.<\/strong>\u00a0Proper alignment prevents aches and pains as you move through life. Better posture makes you look younger too. These <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/posture-exercises\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81239\">posture exercises<\/a> can also help!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enhances Flexibility and Mobility.<\/strong>\u00a0Keeping your joints moving smoothly can prevent stiffness and pain.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strengthens Your Pelvic Floor.<\/strong> Using controlled movements and breath patterns, you can improve bladder control, reduce pelvic pain, and support overall pelvic floor health.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Builds Muscle. <\/strong>When using the refomer, the springs provide resistance and will help improve muscle tone and even muscle mass.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduces Injury Risk.<\/strong>\u00a0Pilates exercises teach you to move with intention, protecting your body from strains and misalignments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improves Balance and Coordination.<\/strong>\u00a0These are\u00a0<em>key<\/em>\u00a0as we age, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Boosts Body Awareness.<\/strong>\u00a0You\u2019ll start to notice how you move\u2014and how to move better.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Can Decrease Stress.<\/strong>\u00a0The mind-body connection is powerful. And the rhythmic breathing and focus help calm the nervous system and <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/7-ways-reduce-stress\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81240\">reduce stress<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complements Other Workouts.<\/strong>\u00a0Strength training, running, yoga\u2014Pilates makes everything else\u00a0better.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strengthens Your Bones.<\/strong>\u00a0The low-impact resistance helps maintain bone density. These <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/osteoporosis-exercises\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81241\">osteoporosis exercises<\/a> will help too!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-started-mat-vs-reformer\">Getting Started: Mat vs. Reformer<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re new to Pilates, I\u00a0highly\u00a0recommend starting with Mat Pilates.<\/p>\n<p>I strongly believe before jumping onto a reformer machine, you should build a strong foundation with\u00a0Mat Pilates. The reformer is a fantastic tool, but without an understanding of Pilates principles, it can become just another piece of equipment.<\/p>\n<p>Pilates is about\u00a0body awareness,\u00a0core engagement, and\u00a0coordinating movement with breath. It\u2019s about learning how your muscles work together and activating those deep stabilizing abdominal muscles that support you in everything you do. <\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s not something you can rush\u2014it takes time, practice, and patience.<\/p>\n<p>Learn the principles first\u2014breath control, core activation, and movement precision. Once you feel comfortable with mat exercises, you can explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itnycpt.com\/10-reformer-pilates-benefits-backed-by-science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81242\">the Pilates\u00a0reformer<\/a>\u2014a spring-based resistance machine that adds an extra layer of challenge.<\/p>\n<p>The reformer looks like a bed with a sliding carriage, pulleys, and springs. It\u2019s\u00a0incredible, but you\u2019ll need proper instruction (whether from an instructor or a guided video) to get the most out of it safely.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Pilates is a full-body workout designed to improve your\u00a0strength, flexibility, posture, and overall well-being. No matter your fitness level, Pilates can help you move better, feel better, and stay\u00a0independent and strong\u00a0as you age.<\/p>\n<p>I never thought I\u2019d be a \u201cPilates person,\u201d but now? I can\u2019t imagine my life without it. Whether you\u2019re looking to\u00a0build core strength, prevent injuries, reduce pain, or simply move better for life, Pilates is one of the best things you can do for your body.<\/p>\n<p>So\u2014what are you waiting for?\u00a0Start with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gethealthyutv.com\/video\/premium-pilates-2-034232\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"81243\">Mat Pilates class<\/a> and see what you think!\u00a0You just might find yourself hooked for life!<\/p>\n<p>You can also learn more about getting started with <a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/pilates-workout-beginners\/\" data-lasso-id=\"81244\">my Pilates beginners guide<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/gethealthyu.com\/how-pilates-changed-my-body\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pilates changed my body in ways I never expected\u2014stronger core, better posture, and a whole new appreciation for movement. I\u2019m a journalist by degree, but my career took a different path\u2014straight into the world of fitness. Sharing knowledge, helping people understand their bodies, and making sense of health and wellness has always been in my &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13634"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13634\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}