After transitioning from CrossFit to reformer Pilates, I, a personal trainer, observed distinct changes in my physical condition.
In a surprising shift from high-intensity workouts, a fitness enthusiast and trainer has recently made the transition from CrossFit to low-impact reformer and mat Pilates. This change, attributed to the precise Pilates training of local instructor Selina, has led to noticeable improvements in body stability and coordination.
For years, the individual had been a dedicated CrossFit practitioner, focusing on strength, conditioning, and increasing muscle and power. However, the constant high-intensity metabolic conditioning workouts took a toll on their body, leading to an imbalance between the left and right sides.
Enter Pilates. During Pilates workouts, joints and muscles move through a range of motion while under constant tension, including during the eccentric, isometric, and concentric phases of an exercise. This focused approach, combined with a focus on alignment, has been instrumental in strengthening stabilizing muscles and improving posture.
After just one month of Pilates, the individual has noticed significant improvement in core and overall stability. They also feel stronger, but not in an obvious way. Instead, they attribute this to having more control over their body and movement before hitting fatigue.
This shift in exercise routine is backed by scientific research. A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that eight weeks of Pilates could improve body composition in sedentary and overweight women.
While the individual has gained fat since switching to a lower-impact exercise routine, it is not certain if this is directly related to the exercise change. Stress could potentially be a factor, as it is known to hinder workout results. A switch-up to their routine could potentially be beneficial.
It's important to note that while CrossFit combines high-intensity and explosive training with strength and hypertrophy principles, leading to greater muscle gain and a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR), Pilates focuses on mind, body, and breath, teaching control, balance, stability, and coordination.
Pilates uses light weights, props, reformer beds, high repetitions, and specific, controlled movement patterns. While it may not offer the same metabolic benefits as CrossFit, it provides a balanced approach to fitness, offering benefits such as strengthening the body, improving cardiovascular fitness, and increasing flexibility and mobility.
The individual maintains a daily step count, eats the same, and continues to have the same job as a fitness editor and a trainer. They continue to advocate for a balanced approach to fitness, encouraging others to find what works best for their bodies and goals.
In the end, the switch from CrossFit to Pilates has been a rewarding one for this fitness enthusiast, demonstrating that sometimes, a change in routine can lead to unexpected improvements.
