Pilates is a type of exercise. It is used to improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. Pilates is practiced in group or private sessions. It may involve using a mat or specific equipment. Mat exercises focus on strengthening the muscles of the trunk and hips and increasing the flexibility of the spine and hips. Pilates equipment helps create resistance to build strength.
Pilates is used for athletic performance, exercise, weight loss and obesity, low back pain, and to prevent falls in older people.
Is It Effective?
Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Preventing falls in elderly people. Early research shows that doing Pilates for one hour three times per week for 12 weeks reduces the number of falls in women over 65 years of age.
- Athletic performance.
- Exercise.
- Low back pain.
- Weight loss and obesity.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate Pilates for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Pilates uses specific exercises to help align the spine, strengthen core muscles, improve balance, and increase flexibility. By strengthening core muscles, Pilates is thought to help reduce back pain. By improving balance, strengthening core muscles, and increasing flexibility, Pilates is thought to help reduce fear of falling and prevent falls in older adults.
There are no known safety concerns. Side effects have not been described in any studies evaluating Pilates.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know whether Pilates is safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. If you are pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before starting Pilates or any other exercise program.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate or safe use of Pilates depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
Contrologie, Contrology, Méthode Pilates.
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