Exploring the Science: How Pilates Affects Muscle Engagement and Flexibility 

From professional athletes to your neighbour’s grandma, people everywhere just can’t seem to stop raving about Pilates. Truly, its popularity is well deserved. More than just a passing fitness trend, there’s some real science at work behind this fitness routine. 

In fact, the science behind Pilates is as fascinating as it is empowering. Whether you’re just looking to add some variation to your workouts or on a mission to up your flexibility game, here’s why you’ll be searching for a “pilates class near me” in 3, 2, 1. 

Table of Contents | Exploring the Science: How Pilates Affects Muscle Engagement and Flexibility 

1. What is Pilates?

2. A Closer Look at Mat Pilates

• How It Affects Muscle Engagement and Flexibility
• Pros, Cons, and Benefits

3. A Closer Look at Reformer Pilates

• How It Affects Muscle Engagement and Flexibility
• Pros, Cons, and Benefits

4. A Summary

5. Pilates Near Me: Take A Step Toward Edgemont Athletic

What is Pilates?

To fully appreciate its impressive reputation in the present, let’s take a closer look at its roots and history.

Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s, Pilates is a low-impact fitness routine designed to strengthen muscles, improve postural alignment, and boost flexibility. A step up from your average gym session, Pilates focuses on control, precision, and breath. It’s where strength meets grace—and you’re fully in control. 

And science has our back here: Studies show Pilates can significantly improve muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. That’s why it’s well-known for being a head-to-toe win for all ages and fitness levels. 

Ultimately, Pilates isn’t one-dimensional at all. It has various types, with each having its own twist for that much-needed variety. Here are the most popular ones drawing in enthusiasts left and right: 

• Mat Pilates: The OG. All you need is a mat and your own body weight. Simple, yet surprisingly powerful for your core.
• Reformer Pilates: Enter the reformer machine—a sliding carriage, springs, and pulleys. It’s a full-body party, challenging stability and coordination.
• Wall Pilates: Think of it as Pilates that takes you to new vertical heights. Using a wall for resistance and support, these Pilates exercises offer a fresh way to engage muscles and boost flexibility.

In your search for “Pilates in Calgary” or “Pilates studio near me,” make sure you choose a fitness center that offers variety. That way, you get that killer Pilates workout that sculpts, stretches, and surprises you with well-rounded results.

A Closer Look at Mat Pilates

Here’s why Mat Pilates is a staple in every Pilates studio. Get ready to roll out that mat. 

How It Affects Muscle Engagement and Flexibility

Mat Pilates may look all gentle, but it’s a deep, healthy burn that wakes up those sleepy stabilizer muscles. Because you’re working with your own body weight, every movement demands control.

• Activate Core Muscles: The “powerhouse” (aka your core) is the star of the show. You’ll engage your abdominals, obliques, lower back, hips, and glutes with every move. Research even shows that Mat Pilates significantly increases activation of the transverse abdominis, which is key for spinal stabilization. 
• Boost Flexibility: Classic Pilates stretches like the “Saw” or “Spine Stretch Forward” help lengthen tight muscles, especially in the hamstrings and lower back. Studies found that eight weeks of Pilates can significantly improve hamstring and lower back flexibility. 
• Improve Posture: By focusing on alignment, Mat Pilates teaches your body to sit and stand taller, even when you’re not working out. Consistent practice has been linked to reduced postural asymmetry and decreased back pain. Workouts have high potential to improve spinal deformities, lower back posture, cervical posture, and the pelvis.

Pros, Cons, and Benefits

Pros:

• No fancy equipment needed—just a mat and the drive to achieve better health.
• Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
• Easy to do at home, in a Pilates class, or even on a hotel floor when you travel. 

Cons:

• Limited resistance compared to reformer Pilates.
• Primarily focused on core strength and flexibility, so it won’t lead to significant muscle growth. 
• Progression can plateau if you don’t mix up your routine.

Benefits:

• Full-body muscle engagement (It’s not just your abs that will win here!).
• Improved flexibility, joint mobility, and posture.
• Enhanced mind-body connection.

A Closer Look at Reformer Pilates

If Mat Pilates is the bread, think of Reformer Pilates as the artisanal, multigrain loaf with all the extras. It’s a step up from Mat Pilates in terms of resistance and difficulty. 

How It Affects Muscle Engagement and Flexibility

Reformer machines may look intimidating, but they’re actually your secret weapon for revamping muscle engagement and boosting flexibility. The springs provide adjustable resistance, making exercises more challenging—or supportive, depending on your needs.

• Total-Body Engagement: With pulleys and springs, every movement fires up your muscles differently. You’ll hit deep core muscles (particularly the transverse abdominis), glutes, arms, and inner thighs. A 2020 study found reformer Pilates to be superior to traditional resistance training for improving muscle endurance and dynamic balance in adults. 
• Deep Stretching: The reformer allows for a greater range of motion, giving you a refreshing full-body stretch and improving flexibility. Studies show significant increases in spinal mobility after consistent reformer Pilates. 
• Precision Training: The machine’s instability actually forces you to stabilize, turning even the smallest muscles into powerhouses. This translates to improved functional movement and athletic performance.

Pros, Cons, and Benefits

Pros:

• Customizable for any fitness level—just adjust the springs.
• Offers endless exercise variations to keep things fresh.
• Excellent for injury rehab and prevention, particularly for low back pain and joint stability.

Cons:

• Requires access to a reformer machine

Benefits:

• Supercharges muscle engagement and flexibility.
• Quick results—many see improvements after just a few reformer Pilates sessions.
• Fun, functional, and never monotonous. 

A Summary

Pilates Near Me: Take A Step Toward Edgemont Athletic

Pilates is more than just a trending workout—it’s a science-backed method for engaging muscles, building strength, and boosting flexibility. Whether you’re a mat devotee, a reformer fanatic, incorporating these into your routine puts you on the right track to better health.

If you’re searching for “pilates classes near me” in Calgary, this is your neon sign to join the club at Edgemont Athletic. 

Get instant access to a holistic fitness community and world-class facilities—and experience your most dynamic journey yet to stronger, more flexible muscles. 

View our schedules for Pilates in Calgary and become a member today

Looking for more tips on all things fitness? Dive right into our other blogs:

• Pilates for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Mat Pilates Journey
• Exploring Edgemont Athletic: What Sets This Gym Apart in Calgary?
• Tennis vs. Squash: Understanding the Differences and Finding the Right Program for You 
• The Health Benefits of Regular Sauna and Steam Room Use: Why Calgary Locals Swear by It 
• The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Only Gyms: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Fitness Journey 

Edgemont Athletic

At Edgemont Athletic, we're passionate about helping Calgarians stay active, healthy, and inspired. With state-of-the-art court reserve systems for tennis and squash, top-notch swimming pools in Calgary, and relaxing amenities like our premium sauna in Calgary, we offer a full-spectrum fitness experience for all levels. Whether you're training hard or unwinding after a workout, Edgemont Athletic is your community hub for wellness and performance.

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