(Just try the classicPilates hundredexercise and youll understand!)

Just because youre not pumping iron doesnt mean practicing Pilates with weights is easy.

In fact, using weights in Pilates classes can be just as challenging as lifting heavy at the gym.

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Pilates form is difficult with no weights.

Read on to find out about the benefits of practicing Pilates with weights and how to do so safely.

The benefits of doing Pilates with weights

1.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

a certified Stott Pilates instructor atLife Time Westchesterin New York

Doing weighted Pilates exercises improves blood flow, which helps protect joints, Etienne explains.

Your confidence will improve

Its a fact of life that no matter our age, were all aging.

Getting can lessen your confidence when you cant move or accomplish tasks as well as you used to.

Woman doing hip exercises

Practicing Pilates with weights can be a boost to self-esteem, even for seasoned pros, according to Fair.

Well also tire our muscles more effectively so we feel the workout more.

Pilates form is difficult with no weights.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

Adding 1 pound can be a game changer.

Catherine Fair, certified Stott Pilates instructor

3.

Our movement flows better when were balanced.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

a certified Stott Pilates instructor atLife Time Westchesterin New York

It not only helps us re-establish our goals throughout our session, it also makes the session more engaging.

Pilates is a form of mind-body exercise, and one of the basic principles is control, Fair says.

Form is always first.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

When my students see the toning balls come out, they know theyre going to work hard!

Its always best to talk to your doctor before taking up Pilates.

This is why taking private training and classes with a certified Pilates instructor is so valuable.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles

Theyre trained to see the details in the movements of their client and help them avoid injury.

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