We are so excited to be sharing our Pilates Reformer classes with teens. While we have seen first-hand the positive effects of exercise on teenagers, sometimes it good to have a little reminder.
Here we share our top reasons that Pilates, in particular is good for teens:
Physical fitness:
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on flexibility, strength and balance. It can help teenagers develop a strong and stable core, improve their flexibility, and enhance their overall physical fitness. This can be particularly beneficial during the adolescent years when teenagers are growing and developing physically, and Pilates can help them build a solid foundation of physical fitness for their future adult years.
Posture improvement:
Poor posture is a common issue amongst many people today, in particular, teenagers due to prolonged sitting, hunching over devices and carrying heavy backpacks. Pilates exercises emphasize proper alignment, postural awareness, and spinal mobility, which can help teenagers improve their posture and develop healthy movement patterns. Good posture is essential for overall physical health and can help prevent musculoskeletal issues later in life.
Core strength and stability:
Pilates places a strong emphasis on the development of core strength, which includes not only the abdomen but the muscles of the back and pelvic floor as well. A strong core can support good posture, promote better balance and stability, and help prevent injuries during physical activities. For teenagers who are involved in sports or other physical activities, a strong core can be especially beneficial for performance and injury prevention.
Mind-body connection:
Pilates also emphasizes the mind-body connection, which can help teenagers develop greater body awareness and mindfulness. This can improve their ability to concentrate, focus, and manage stress, which can be beneficial during the adolescent years when most teenagers face some degree of academic and social challenge.
Low impact:
Pilates is generally a low-impact form of exercise, which makes it suitable for teenagers who may still be growing and developing. It puts less stress on the joints (compared to high-impact exercises), which can be important for teenagers who are still in their growth spurt phase and may be more susceptible to joint injuries.
Injury prevention:
Pilates exercises focus on proper form and technique, which can help teenagers learn how to move their bodies safely and efficiently. This can contribute to injury prevention by teaching them how to use their muscles effectively and avoid compensatory movement patterns that can lead to injuries, helping them to develop good habits for life.
Body confidence:
Pilates is a form of exercise that promotes body positivity and acceptance. By helping teenagers develop strength, flexibility, and body awareness, Pilates can improve their body confidence and self-esteem, which is so important during the formative teenage years when we see many body image concerns arise. Feeling strong and connected with their bodies is an important part of building self-confidence for teens that they carry with them into adulthood.