How long does it take to see results from…
Pilates is a great way to stay mobile, fit and healthy. But how long from starting Pilates can you expect to start seeing results? Vicky, Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor discusses.
Strength. Flexibility. Balance.
Pilates exercises combine strength, flexibility and balance. Pilates aims to engage and strengthen your pelvic floor and deep abdominal core muscles by challenging the control of your core with arm and leg movements. Through regular stretching movements Pilates also helps to maintain and improve your joint and muscle flexibility.
Building up muscle fibres
As with any form of exercise it takes time for muscle fibres to adapt and to begin to strengthen. Therefore we do not begin to see and feel changes immediately from exercising. However, our bodies are designed to move and stretch so we can often feel better and improvement from Pilates after just a few sessions of stretches and from engaging muscles that may be weaker or underused.
Putting in the practice
The other big factor in how long it may take to see changes from Pilates comes down to how frequently you are able to practice. Practicing regularly will help the muscles to adapt much sooner and build on your strength and flexibility. I would recommend trying to practice Pilates two to three times a week as a gold star aim! The length of time you are able to practice for will also be a factor in how quickly you may see changes. It is often difficult in our busy lives to carve out time to exercise but you will still feel benefit from trying to practice a handful of stretches and exercises regularly.
Although Pilates has a key focus on strengthening your pelvic floor and core muscles it also incorporates other major muscle groups including those in the arms, legs, back and chest.
Everyone’s base level of fitness varies from person to person which will also be a factor as to how quickly you may see or feel results.
In short…
It takes at least six to twelve weeks for muscles to adapt and changes to be seen so don’t expect to see changes overnight! Keep practicing regularly and you will see results!
