If you’ve never been to a Pilates class you might be wondering what all the fuss is about, but we’re here to tell you that it brings a multitude of benefits – particularly if you enjoy other sports like mountain biking.

Shape recently highlighted some of the main benefits of regularly attending a Pilates class. At the top of the list is the boost it gives to your core strength. This is about more than toning your abs, it’s about providing support for the rest of your body.

The publication even cited a study which found that women who attended a 36-week Pilates course improved the strength of their rectus abdominis muscles by 21 per cent and eliminated muscle imbalances between the right and left sides of their bodies.

We mentioned that a strong core supports the rest of your body, and that’s particularly true of your back. If you suffer from back pain, it’s well worth going to Pilates to see just how much strengthening your core can help.

Master Pilates instructor in Chicago Tracy Zindell explained why it improves your performance in other physical activities: “When you start focusing on your core, you realise that all of your muscles are connected through your core.”

She also pointed out that you can work with your Pilates instructor to learn moves that will imitate and improve moves in your sport of choice – like cycling or mountain biking.

Want to get a taste of what Pilates is all about? Try one of the videos in our Workout Wednesdays series. We’ll run through some of the common Pilates movements each week.

Think it could help? Come along to one of our Pilates sessions in Hampshire and start reaping the benefits.