Healthy Heart Pilates
The best type of exercise for primary and secondary prevention of heart disease is aerobic exercise. Although the Pilates system is not considered to be aerobic in nature, we incorporate cardio interval training into Heart Healthy Pilates to get all the benefits plus some of running for 55 minutes.
“What Exactly is Pilates Interval Training?”
Interval training is a different than the normal “same speed” long cardio routines because it involves changing speed and intensity at specific points in the workout. We use a variety of different equipment to give you that interval cardio including, Indorow/Water Rower, Bosu, Jump Boards, and/or Bellicon Rebounders.
Interval training is by its nature fast and effective.
In fact, one research study found that interval training burns up to nine times more fat cells than normal slow cardio workouts.
Another research study found that subjects who used interval cardio resulted in significant fat loss as compared to other subjects who worked out at a lower intensity.
You don’t need drugs, “magic” supplements, crazy crash diets, or special exercise gimmicks with interval training.
One of the best things about intervals is that you can use them with just about any cardio machine you would find in someone’s home, at a commercial gym, or even outside! You must be cleared by your doctor to participate in this program.
Other Pilates benefits are:
- Improves balance, coordination and circulation
- Improves performance in sports (e.g., golf, skiing, skating, dance)
- Streamlines and lengthens the body
- Improves postural problems; can alleviate back pain
- Increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
- Helps prevent injury
- Enhances ease of movement
- Balances strength and flexibility
- Heightens body awareness
- Easy on the joints because it is low impact
- Can be customized for a broad range of fitness and ability levels, from rehab patients (including cardiac rehab patients) to elite athletes
- Strengthens the immune system
