What Sanjana Ganesan’s advanced Pilates workout does for the body

Sanjana Ganesan recently demonstrated an advanced Pilates exercise on her Instagram Stories, showcasing her strength and dedication to the discipline. The physiotherapist Dr Stuti Shah shared the video, captioning it as "what we have been working towards," with Ganesan reacting with strength emoticons.

The exercise, performed on a Pilates reformer, resembles a reverse plank row variation with resistance springs. Dr Goyal, a consultant dietitian and fitness expert, explained that this movement requires significant strength, balance, and body awareness. The person holding the handles attached to the springs while keeping their body lifted in a controlled position engages deep core muscles, back muscles, shoulders, arms, glutes, and hamstrings.

Unlike traditional strength training that isolates specific muscle groups, Pilates emphasizes controlled movement, stability, posture, and coordination. The springs in Pilates equipment provide variable resistance, demanding continuous muscle engagement throughout the full range of motion. This approach enhances endurance and neuromuscular control, benefiting spinal stability, posture, flexibility, and functional strength.

However, advanced Pilates exercises demand a solid foundation. They should be progressed gradually under expert guidance, prioritizing correct form over merely executing the movement. Always consult a health practitioner before initiating any new workout routine.