women are generally more reserved about challenging their bodies

Is it essential to lift very heavy weights to become stronger? And what about Pilates?

Pilates serves as an excellent base for understanding body movement and sensation, frequently recommended for rehabilitation, beginners and seniors.

It promotes health by improving mobility and flexibility while also building some muscle. Nonetheless, to experience all the extra health benefits, progressing to the next level is necessary.

Once you become proficient in Pilates, how can you advance further? Eventually, you'll need to move beyond floor exercises and introduce load to your body.

Your body is built to handle load.

Where did Pilates begin? It was first developed during World War I. Joseph Pilates was interned in a British camp. While in the camp, he worked with fellow internees, creating exercises they could do in limited space using limited/makeshift equipment. The method was designed to help people move better in daily life and avoid injury. Much like resistance training!

Women often tend to be more cautious when it comes to pushing their physical limits. There are activities you enjoy more and choose to engage in that can offer some benefits. On the other hand, there are exercise methods, like weight training, that might not initially appeal to you. However, done correctly, these can be approached in a way that isn't entirely unpleasant, even if they aren't your top preference. But what if these methods provided you with much better results?

All forms of exercise are beneficial and can lead to muscle growth and various health advantages.

However, resistance training encompasses two aspects:

1. Ability to apply more load than the benefits you got from your initial pilates phase - pilates isn't cutting it anymore

2. It is specifically designed to target particular areas of your body and can be loaded in a very gradual manner.

For women, particularly those who are middle-aged, building maximum muscle to attain the best health, aesthetic, and longevity benefits can be challenging without incorporating weight training:

Advantages:

• Increased muscle mass

• Enhanced bone density

• Muscle in a anti-diabetic organ

• Improved functional strength

• Reduced risk of falls through improved power and balance under load

• Improved mental health - Empowerment and physcial capbability

• Hormonal benefits - Especially important post menopause as estrogen drops and muscle/bone loss accelerates

  
  

As a middle-aged Caucasian woman, the odds are not in your favour. Incorporating weight training can significantly impact your strength and fitness. While some individuals appear stunning doing Pilates, a larger percentage need to inform others about their exercise routine for it to be believable, as their appearance and strength might not demonstrate it.

If you've built a foundation with pilates, now it's time to see what your body can really do.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice, diganoses or treatment. Always check with yoru healthcare provider before making health related decisions.