Hydration and Nutrition Tips for Pilates People

Most Pilates practitioners understand that Pilates is a lifestyle and not just an exercise routine, and proper nutrition is one of the best ways to invigorate this lifestyle. Some of the nutritional advice may seem counterintuitive at first, but it is all evidence-based and it has proven successful for innumerable individuals.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Good hydration provides maximum flexibility, so you get the most out of your Pilates routine. And, since so many cellular chemical reactions are water-based, especially in the muscles, proper hydration boosts strength and endurance, so you can squeeze an extra few minutes out of each Pilates session. That little extra effort often makes a significant difference in how you look and feel.

Pure water is always the best option, but if you add a dash of fruit juice or other flavoring, that’s not the end of the world. Most Pilates practitioners should go for eight to ten glasses a day.

Forego Fruit Juice

Assuming you drink plenty of water, you do not need the extra hydration, and it can even be unhealthy. Fruit juices are high in sugar, and have almost no fiber so fruit juice essentially lacks one of the most important nutritional components in fruit.

When it comes to fruit, concentrate on high fiber fruit. With nine grams per serving, guavas lead the way. With eight grams per serving, raspberries are a close second. High fiber is also associated with weight loss.

Wine Down

A glass or two of wine is not inconsistent with the physical or emotional aspects of Pilates. The benefits of small amounts of wine are especially prominent among women, who experienced things like higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels and less inflammation. As an added bonus, red wine is high in antioxidants.

extra tip: Boost Protein Intake

Protein is slow-digesting energy that supports the endurance for Pilates workouts. Proteins also create a feeling of fullness, so adjust your eating/workout schedule accordingly.

Protein is slow-digesting energy that supports the endurance for Pilates workouts, and aids muscle and tissue repair following an intense workout. Just like you might ice a minor fitness injury to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing, sufficient protein intake with foods like lean meats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds helps your muscles rebuild after your routine Pilates sessions. Proteins also create a feeling of fullness, so adjust your eating/workout schedule accordingly.

It’s also a good idea to work in additional protein snacks during other times. Trail mix is a good substitute for sugary snacks, but be sure and watch the fat intake. Another easy snack is a slice of whole wheat toast that’s topped with peanut butter and garnished with banana slices.

Pilates is a wonderful way to enhance your life both physically and emotionally. The more you can do to optimize your Pilates workout, the better results you’ll see. By making these few nutritional changes, you can truly take your Pilates routine to the next level.

*Jessica Hegg is the content manager at ViveHealth.com. Interested in all things related to living a healthy lifestyle she works to share valuable information aimed at overcoming obstacles and improving the quality of life for others. *