Pilates is a truly transformational exercise method that enhances your physical fitness, mental health, and wellbeing. There are many benefits that are not so obvious, such as reducing stress and increasing positivity, which for me far exceed its ability to enhance your physical appearance.
Pilates has always been known for improving posture, increasing strength, flexibility, and endurance. With its strong celebrity following, it very quickly became a must do form of exercise, especially for those who wanted to achieve a sculpted body.
But do you think that this is what Joseph Pilates had in mind when he started forming ‘Contrology’ as it was formally known?
In 1945 Joe published ‘Return to life through Contrology’. In this book, you will not only find step by step instructions and images of his original matwork series, but also you will gain insight into his methodology and mindset. It is with this that you can delve deeper into his original work and it will begin to become apparent just what his intentions were and how significantly this exercise system can impact you.
“Man should develop his physical fitness simultaneously with that of his mind” Joseph Pilates
This lesser-known quote of Joe’s highlights how I experience Pilates and combine it with the healing work that I do.
Here are five ways that in my opinion Pilates develops both physical fitness and mind health.
- Pilates is a workout for your mind.
Often clients say that Pilates is as much a workout for the mind as it is for the body. For many, it is the only time that they focus completely on themselves. Pilates requires concentration and focus, there is little benefit in doing it on autopilot. Even when following the classical order of exercises your body will respond differently each time so there will always be something new to discover.
- Pilates calms your nervous system.
Any form of movement that we do will have a significant effect on our wellbeing. Pilates in particular requires very mindful movement, engaging specific muscle groups. This enhanced mind-body connection has a very calming effect on our nervous system as our body releases stress-fighting and mood-boosting hormones.
- Pilates reduces stress and tension.
Whether you are aware of it or not, stress and anxiety get stored in our bodies and create both physical and emotional tension. Pilates, due to the deep muscle activation and the stretching element of each exercise, has an impact on the deep tissues where the stress and tension builds up. With continuous practice and over time stress and tension will significantly reduce.
“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living” Joseph Pilates
- Pilates helps you manage your emotions
As with stress and anxiety, unresolved emotions also build up in our bodies and will be reflected in our posture and movements. When we carry tension in certain parts of our bodies it is often relating to an emotion that we are holding on to. We mostly carry these emotions in areas close to our core or centre, so Pilates is perfectly placed to help shift it. I recently wrote an article entitled ‘Movement is a Healer’ where I describe the link between Pilates and Healing further.
In addition to Pilates I work with healing, observing where in the body the emotional baggage is stored, and use energy or sound healing to tap into this and assist to dissolve and process it.
- Pilates increases confidence and makes you happier.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” Joseph Pilates
First and foremost, if you enjoy what you are doing, it will make you happy.
When we exercise the body releases feel-good, mood-boosting hormones such as endorphins. This release in itself is enough to make you feel happy. Additionally, it is the satisfaction and sense of achievement you get from completing a focused workout.
So next time you are in a Mat class or the Pilates studio think about the experience that you are having beyond the physical. Compare how you are feeling and your mindset from start to finish.
What benefits do you feel from doing Pilates and did you find this article helpful? I would love to know, so please do leave me a comment.
Karen Eccles, founder of Pilates From Within, has been teaching Pilates for over a decade; specialising in classical Pilates since 2012. From her classically equipped studio in Haslemere, Karen offers tailored Pilates training solutions. She has trained hundreds of clients on their journey to improved health and wellbeing through a combination of Pilates practice, Energy and Sound Healing; a unique blend of practices that alleviates physical symptoms resets emotions and brings equilibrium and a sense of wellbeing. www.pilatesfromwithin.com
