In Pilates, an exercise system known for its approach to building muscle strength and enhancing posture and flexibility, using hand weights boosts these benefits and brings a fresh element to your workout routine. This article delves into the incorporation of hand weights in Pilates sessions and the perks they bring to the table. So, read on and gain valuable insights.
Enhancing Muscle Strength
Enhancing Pilates workouts with hand weights effectively boosts muscle activation compared to traditional routines alone by focusing on engaging core muscles exclusively; incorporating weights enables you to work on other muscle groups, too! For example, using hand weights during arm circles or shoulder presses adds a level of difficulty to your upper body workout routine and helps you build both strength and stamina over time.
Improving Bone Density
Engaging in activities that put pressure on your bones, like using hand weights, can help maintain bone strength and health. Strength training can help reduce the effects of osteoporosis, which weakens bones. Adding hand weights to Pilates workouts can help sustain bone density. Exercises with weights encourage bone growth, which is why you must use them while you are at a good fitness centre like Fluidform Pilates.
Boosting Coordination and Balance
Using hand weights during Pilates can improve coordination and balance by adding stability to movements and effectively engaging core and peripheral muscles. Combining leg lifts with arm exercises using weights in Pilates classes requires coordination, resulting in enhanced stability overall.
Increasing Caloric Burn
Adding hand weights to Pilates exercises can boost the number of calories burned during workouts. This extra resistance makes muscles work intensely, resulting in energy consumption. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals looking to manage or lose weight. By incorporating weights, Pilates classes become more engaging, enriching advantages in addition to strength training.
Diversifying Workouts
Adding hand weights to Pilates workouts brings diversity. It helps break the monotony of the routine by changing up the exercises to keep things interesting and challenging while also effectively targeting different muscle groups for a well-rounded workout experience that minimises the chances of overuse injuries and promotes balanced muscle growth.
Enhancing Mind-Body Connection
Practising Pilates highlights the importance of connecting the mind and body by emphasising awareness of movements and breathing techniques. Hand weights are included to enhance this connection further. Concentrating on maintaining form and alignment while incorporating weights promotes mindfulness and boosts focus during exercises.
Choosing the Right Weights
Choosing the right-hand weights is key for a Pilates workout routine. The ideal approach for beginners is to begin with weights and progress as strength develops. Picking weights that push the muscles without sacrificing form is vital. Excessive weight can result in poor techniques and potential injuries.
Integrating Weights into Pilates Routine
You can easily incorporate hand weights into Pilates routines to add a dimension to your workout routine! Popular exercises such as the Hundred and Roll Up can be customised to include weights for added challenge and benefits, such as boosting arm and shoulder strength during the Hundred or enhancing core stability with Roll Ups!
Safety Considerations
Using hand weights can have advantages; however, it’s essential to prioritise safety above all else when doing so. Maintaining form and alignment is key to avoiding injuries. Individuals should pay attention to their body signals and not push themselves hard. Increasing the weight gradually helps the muscles adjust and lowers the chances of straining them.
Conclusion
Using hand weights during Pilates offers a way to improve fitness by boosting strength and bone density while enhancing coordination and burning calories effectively. By introducing variety into exercises and emphasising the connection between mind and body, weights included in the routine add an aspect to Pilates workouts. Choosing the right weights and focusing on safety is key to ensuring efficient workout sessions. Incorporating hand weights can enhance the Pilates experience, leading to better overall health and wellness.
