It might not be on everybody’s list of holistic treatments, but Pilates can help with mind, body and spirit. Read on for how it could help you lead a happier, calmer, life.

Oh boy, modern life is complicated. The kids need a lift to music class, the boss needs that report, the fridge just broke down, it’s aunt Lou’s 60th birthday party tomorrow and you didn’t get a present yet.

Sure, one by one these little problems don’t add up to much, it’s just life, right? Put them all together, plus the other 100 little problems, and it can leave you feeling more than just a little flat.

We’ve all been there, food might lose its appeal. You’re not sleeping so great. Your temper seems a little (or a lot!) shorter than normal. You need a boost. It’s natural at times like this to look for a way to regain control of your mood. You feel off-balance, and you want to recenter. Pilates is a great place to start looking for that new you.

The physical and mental connection

The mind-body connection is far from fully understood, but we know it exists. The overall state of our body affects our state of mind, and the other way round. If you improve your state of mind, oftentimes your physical wellbeing might improve. Likewise, if you give your body the chance to grow fitter and stronger, so might your mind and spirit follow.

“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.” - Joseph Pilates, founder of the Pilates movement

The first practitioner of Pilates, the inventor if you will, Joseph Pilates understood this connection well.

Pilates was designed, from the very beginning, to bolster and improve all aspects of mind, body, and spirit.

If you were feeling fit, strong, relaxed, in control, and alert how much easier would your everyday life be? With Pilates, that is in your grasp.

Mindfulness

Many therapies that try to ease the mind focus on internal mindfulness. The act of controlling and managing the direction of your thoughts is a tough ask. Everyday thoughts always try to muscle their way in, it’s so hard to keep them out!

Mindfulness is all about being in the moment. Breathing has a great deal to do with this. Part of pilates is also about controlling your breathing. The calmness and control that results from getting this right can give you a really deep feeling of wellbeing that stays with you long after the class is done.

Pilates also introduces us to the flow of our bodies. How it’s connected together and how to control your movements. Concentration on this flow lets your mind channel and direct all the day-to-day stuff away and leaves you with a feeling of purity and control. It’s the perfect antidote to the anxiety and worry that can drag you down.

All of this adds up to a great overall feeling of mental wellness.

The brain and it’s happy hormones

You know that awesome feeling you get during, and after, a really good run? The bounce in your step after your boxing or spinning class? That’s happy hormones!

Every time you exercise your brain gives you a healthy dose of endorphins. It’s a natural way to encourage you, help you carry on, and reduce any discomfort (they’re painkillers too).

This is part of why exercise is so effective at reducing stress, calming you, boosting self-esteem, and helping you sleep.

It’s here that the physical side of Pilates shines through. A range of classes are available so you’re challenged at just the right level to make sure you get a work out that improves you in your fitness, form, technique and skill.

These elements together make Pilates a great way to encourage a healthy mind (and body!). If you like the idea of the extra mental wellness that Pilates can bring you, then why not pop down to one ofour Pilates studios. You can chat to our friendly team and take a look at the classes and studios. We promise you’ll leave with a smile on your face.

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