Do you love Pilates but are looking for a fresh spin on your workouts?  Or you spend the day sitting in the car and at your desk and would love to challenge and engage legs at the end of the day. Standing Pilates may be what you’re looking for!

In this blog post, we’ll look at how standing Pilates began, it’s benefits and who’s it for. Let’s get moving!

How Standing Pilates Began

Joseph Pilates initially created Pilates lying down.  He developed the method to accommodate and rehabilitate wounded soldiers in WW1. As they gained mobility and strength, he progressed his method into seated and standing work.  Standing Pilates we see today was further developed by Joan Breitbart, Founder of PhysicalMind Institute. 

ProHealth founder, Dr. Karyn Staples, dove deep into Breitbart’s work and the efficacy of standing Pilates in the aging female population with her PhD dissertation.  While not only enjoyable and fun, standing Pilates has many physical benefits.

Benefits of Standing Pilates

1. Gain Leg Strength

The challenge of gravity and your full weight onto your legs increases your leg strength.  There are plenty of exercises in Pilates laying down that work and challenge leg muscles.  But bring those same movements into a standing position, your legs will strengthen.

Dr. Staples demonstrates Side Kick in this Pilates Style magazine article.  Traditionally done laying on your side, Dr. Staples takes it up to standing.  Besides leg strength, you’ll work your glutes and increase hip mobility. 

2.  Improve Core Power

All standing movement requires core strength to stay in an upright position.  Joseph Pilates referred to the core, or torso, as the powerhouse.  The powerhouse energizes and stabilizes the entire body.  Pilates taught that all strength of movement begins in the powerhouse.  Several standing Pilates exercises challenge you further by executing them on one foot.  This calls on your powerhouse to work even deeper. 

3.  Builds Balance

Walking and standing are daily activities that most of us don’t think twice about doing.  But what happens when we slip on a wet surface or trip on the corner of the rug?  Our balance is challenged and sometimes results in a fall. 

Standing Pilates may help improve balance through improved body awareness, core strength and mental confidence to execute new movements on one or both feet.  Standing Pilates may be an excellent addition to those wanting to prevent falls. 

Who Should Do Standing Pilates?

Standing Pilates is great for those both new to Pilates and the regular practitioner.  Standing work can be gradually added for those new to the practice.  The seasoned Pilates devotee may enjoy a new spin on exercises they are already familiar with on the mat.  Those with specific goals of the above benefits; to gain leg strength, core power and balance are a great fit.

If you’re looking for an invigorating workout with these benefits, visit ProHealth Pilates Studio in Peachtree City, GA. Our experienced instructors can teach you standing pilates exercises. Contact us today to schedule your first class!