Ask anyone: Life demands strength and flexibility. From family responsibilities to career goals to recreational hobbies, you depend on the health of your body and mind. If your current exercise regime isn't helping you strengthen both, you're missing out. Here are just a few reasons Pilates can improve your health and your life THERE'S NO IMPACT A 10-mile run might do great things for your cardiovascular system, but it can really take a toll on your joints. According to Verywellfit.com, high-impact exercises can cause an impact about 2.5 times your body weight, which could strain joints, ligaments or tendons. Pilates, on the other hand, is a low- or no-impact workout that uses small movements to strengthen key core muscles. That means it's appropriate for everyone even those with joint or skeletal issues 1 CLUB PILATES IT STRENGTHENS YOUR MIND Sure, you're getting a great core workout, but when you practice Pilates, something happens in your mind too. "It gives your mind such a great workout," said Mari Jo Schlosser, owner of Club Pilates South Hills. "It's about precision and control. It's about slowing down and really taking the time to think about the movements you're doing" If that sounds a bit like meditation, it should. Like meditation, Pilates increases your awareness of your breathing patterns, centers your focus and connects your body with your mind. ABS, ABS, ABS There's no doubt a strong core is important. Your core affects your life in myriad ways, from your ability to perform everyday acts like bending and walking to participating in sports to the strength of your posture. While all of these things are important, it's also OK if you just want really great abs. Pilates is core-focused, toning your midsection to help you gain better overall strength and maybe even a six pack IT GETS YOU 'BACK IN ACTION If your back tends to give you more trouble than you'd like, you're not alone. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association states that 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, and is the single leading cause of disability worldwide What you might not know is that Pilates is an excellent way to relieve back pain. As Spine-Health.com reports, Pilates teaches awareness of spine alignment, while also improving strength, flexibility and suppleness of the muscles of the hip and shoulder girdle. More strength and flexibility likely means less pain for you. IT'S FOR EVERYONE Whether you run marathons for fun or you haven't picked up a dumbbell in five years, you can benefit from Pilates. That's because Pilates can be easily tailored to any level of fitness and ability. If you're feeling intimidated, try a class. Club Pilates offers a free introductory class to anyone interested. "Certainly give us a try. We're all inclusive, nonjudgmental," Schlosser said. "The entire point is to get people moving. We welcome everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. You can do it." Club Pilates South Hills is celebrating its 1st anniversary Aug. 3-4 with new membership specials DO DLATES DO LIFE Ask anyone: Life demands strength and flexibility. From family responsibilities to career goals to recreational hobbies, you depend on the health of your body and mind. If your current exercise regime isn't helping you strengthen both, you're missing out. Here are just a few reasons Pilates can improve your health and your life THERE'S NO IMPACT A 10-mile run might do great things for your cardiovascular system, but it can really take a toll on your joints. According to Verywellfit.com, high-impact exercises can cause an impact about 2.5 times your body weight, which could strain joints, ligaments or tendons. Pilates, on the other hand, is a low- or no-impact workout that uses small movements to strengthen key core muscles. That means it's appropriate for everyone even those with joint or skeletal issues 1 CLUB PILATES IT STRENGTHENS YOUR MIND Sure, you're getting a great core workout, but when you practice Pilates, something happens in your mind too. "It gives your mind such a great workout," said Mari Jo Schlosser, owner of Club Pilates South Hills. "It's about precision and control. It's about slowing down and really taking the time to think about the movements you're doing" If that sounds a bit like meditation, it should. Like meditation, Pilates increases your awareness of your breathing patterns, centers your focus and connects your body with your mind. ABS, ABS, ABS There's no doubt a strong core is important. Your core affects your life in myriad ways, from your ability to perform everyday acts like bending and walking to participating in sports to the strength of your posture. While all of these things are important, it's also OK if you just want really great abs. Pilates is core-focused, toning your midsection to help you gain better overall strength and maybe even a six pack IT GETS YOU 'BACK IN ACTION If your back tends to give you more trouble than you'd like, you're not alone. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association states that 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, and is the single leading cause of disability worldwide What you might not know is that Pilates is an excellent way to relieve back pain. As Spine-Health.com reports, Pilates teaches awareness of spine alignment, while also improving strength, flexibility and suppleness of the muscles of the hip and shoulder girdle. More strength and flexibility likely means less pain for you. IT'S FOR EVERYONE Whether you run marathons for fun or you haven't picked up a dumbbell in five years, you can benefit from Pilates. That's because Pilates can be easily tailored to any level of fitness and ability. If you're feeling intimidated, try a class. Club Pilates offers a free introductory class to anyone interested. "Certainly give us a try. We're all inclusive, nonjudgmental," Schlosser said. "The entire point is to get people moving. We welcome everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. You can do it." Club Pilates South Hills is celebrating its 1st anniversary Aug. 3-4 with new membership specials DO DLATES DO LIFE