The Focus on the Core in Pilates

Pilates classes put a major emphasis on the core because of the important role it plays in keeping the body stable, healthy, and happy. The core is the powerhouse of the body, stabilizing the spine and pelvis while being the origin of most movements. A strong core is critical to movement in different directions while protecting the vital organs and spinal structure.

At Sheppard Method Pilates, we focus on the core in all our various classes, incorporating stability and core strength in each of the exercises we do. We help our students feel strong, balanced, and confident as they move through our classes.

Schedule your next Pilates class at Sheppard Method Pilates and learn how the core can be included in every move you make!

What Makes Up Our Core?

When we refer to the core of the body, we are often referring to the muscles that wrap around and pull in the stomach and the front of the “stomach”. But, in Pilates, the “core” includes the pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm, deep spinal-stabilizing muscles, and “girdle” muscles that wrap around the rib cage.

The core muscles protect the internal organs, the spinal column, and the nerves housed there. These muscles are the muscles that engage when we move in different directions, helping to ensure that regardless of our movements, our spine will remain aligned. Lack of core strength can result in compensatory movements in other parts of the body, hyperextension, and rotation, leading to injuries and pain. 

3 Benefits of a Strong Core

  • Spinal support from a strong core will help you have proper posture and correct spinal alignment, preventing future injuries, helping reduce neck strain, and keeping you walking tall and looking your best.
  • A strong core helps you have great balance. Many Pilates moves require focused core engagement to maintain balance and stability, even if the move is geared toward the legs, glutes, or arms. This constant engagement will translate to better balance throughout life, preventing falls and helping you land safely if you do fall.
  • Core strength, the good posture it promotes, and the balance it provides, help to reduce falls, trips, and back injuries. Core workouts improve muscle response, so your body helps to regain balance if your balance is thrown off. Core strength helps to keep your back feeling stable, safe, and pain-free.

Strengthen Your Core with Pilates at Sheppard Method Pilates

Pilates offers a unique, focused workout that engages the core more than many of our standard exercise options, providing the ideal platform for improving core strength, stability, and balance. When you want a challenge that takes your core strength to a new level, try a Pilates class at Sheppard Method Pilates. Our  Pilates instructors can help you feel strong, have better posture, and protect your spine from injury with a variety of Pilates classes.

Call the Pilates instructors at Sheppard Method Pilates to learn more about how we can help you have optimal core strength.