ADVERTISEMENT
Pilates professionals can confidently promote the effectiveness of certain Pilates exercises to target the deep abdominal muscles (i.e., the internal obliques and transversus abdominis), resulting in aesthetic improvements and functional benefits, says a recent Pilates study presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), held in Indianapolis. Particular Pilates moves that involve less flexion recruited the deep abdominal muscles more efficiently than standard crunches.
Researchers recruited 12 participants—10 women and two men—to perform 10 repetitions of the Pilates hundred, roll-up and double-leg stretch, along with 10 standard crunches, and the investigators measured muscle activation. The exercises with the least flexion, the hundred and the double-leg stretch, featured the highest recruitment of the internal obliques and the transversus abdominis. Consistently performing exercises that train these muscles translates into a leaner, flatter appearance of the stomach, better
support for overall movement, and
a stronger back, according to lead
researcher and IDEA author Michele
S. Olson, PhD, FACSM, at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama.
Editor’s Note: For earlier Pilates research led by Michele Olson, see the CEC article “Pilates Exercise: Lessons From the Lab” in the November–December 2005 issue of IDEA Fitness Journal.
When you buy something using the retail links in our content, we may earn a small commission. IDEA Health and Fitness Association does not accept money for editorial reviews. Read more about our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
Fructose and Glucose Health Hazards
United to Inspire the World to CHANGE
Dear IDEA Fitness Community, IDEA Health & Fitness Association’s staff and members are united in opposing prejudice, bigotry and racism. We denounce all acts and intents associated with these affronts to…
IDEA World 2020 – Event Status Update (4/14/2020)
Updated: 4/14/2020 It is with a very heavy heart that we must cancel the 2020 IDEA World Convention, July 8-12, in Anaheim, CA. Despite making…
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up tp date with our latest news and products.