Is Pilates really better than cardio and HIIT? Here’s what to know – Times of India

Pilates has gained a lot of popularity in 2023 and in 2024. According to a fitness tracking app, there has been an over 84% increase in people doing Pilates and as more and more fitness enthusiasts are now opting for the non-cardio exercises to stay fit.
Pilates has gained immense popularity because it combines physical exercise with mental coordination. With the growing focus on mental wellness, its significance has only increased.

What is Pilates?

Like walking, Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength and flexibility.
Pilates combines around 50 simple, repetitive exercises aimed at improving muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, posture, and balance. It can be adapted for gentle rehabilitation or intense workouts for athletes. While research cautiously supports its benefits for flexibility and core stability, stronger evidence is limited due to a lack of robust studies. However, it shows potential for specific clinical applications, warranting further investigation.
Pilates focuses on abdominal and back muscles and it enhances flexibility. Many people choose Pilates as a form of rehabilitation and even as therapy if they have been immobile for a period on time.
Or helps in improving posture and also focuses on controlled breathing and mindfulness. It is more like a relaxation than exercise. It can simply be called the modern day yoga.

Why is Pilates considered better than other exercises?

Pilates is not exactly better than cardio or HIIT, but it helps in reducing weight consistently. Pilates is suitable for all fitness levels and it does not exert much energy.
Pilates exercises come in various forms, including classical, mat-based, equipment-based, reformer, and clinical Pilates, each tailored to individual needs and fitness levels. It offers a holistic approach to physical fitness, promoting overall well-being, mental health, and physiological health across all age groups. Additionally, Pilates benefits individuals with chronic diseases and serves as an effective rehabilitation and pain management tool in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

Why is Pilates gaining popularity?

Pilates recently gained a lot of attention because exercise methods are not very traditional anymore and Pilates is one among the fitness workout that focuses on both physical and mental well-being.
Also, the growing awareness of the exercise has made it very popular among the new generation. It’s the widespread popularity that contributed to the surgery of Pilates in the last year.