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Pilates

Effects of Pilates on endurance, flexibility, balance, and posture

JR

Dr. June Kloubec at Gustavus Adolphus College, in St. Peter, Minnesota reports her findings.

First, the details.

  • 50 middle-aged adults were randomly assigned to a treatment group.
    • A 1-hour Pilates class 2 times per week for 12 weeks
    • A control group
  • The Pilates class included the essential (basic) mat routine consisting of approximately 25 exercises focusing on muscular endurance and flexibility of the abdomen, low back, and hips.

And, the results.

  • There was significant improvement in endurance and flexibility.
  • There was no difference in posture and balance compared with the control group.

The bottom line?

Pilates requires neither equipment nor a high level of skill. The author tells us it’s easy to master and use.

And after 12 weeks we can expect to improve muscular endurance and flexibility using a relatively low-intensity exercise program.

Lots of Pilates videos are here.

2/11/10 20:32 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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