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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Anna Bartter

It's taken over the Internet, but is Pilates really as good as it claims to be for core strength? Experts explain

Is Pilates good for core strength? A woman doing a Pilates workout.

It’s a massive understatement to say that Pilates is having a moment. Yes, it’s only April (although it might feel like February), but we’re calling it – it’s the workout of 2024. It feels like literally everyone is hopping into the practice, and we can’t say we blame them – Pilates offers some serious benefits. Studies (such as this one, published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology) show a regular practice can enhance sleep quality, improve posture and boost mood and flexibility. What’s not to love?

So, when it comes to core strength, is are Pilates moves really as good as they claim to be? If social media is to be believed (and we’re generally sceptical, it has to be said), you might be manifesting streamlined, toned abs and a core of steel in no time. But can a few weekly toe taps and hip bridges honestly boost your core strength, or is building abdominal muscle more complex than this?

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