5
Oct
2010

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


From C.A.M Report

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

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.
          o A 1-hour Pilates class 2 times per week for 12 weeks
          o 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.