Note: This blog post is not intended to act as medical advice. If you are concerned about your mental health or the way you are feeling and think you need professional help, please consult with your GP.
Pilates doesn't just benefit your body, it can benefit your mind as well. In a world where depression, anxiety and stress is so prominent, it's important that we find ways to help us cope on a day to day basis and take some time for ourselves.
It's been proven time and again through research that exercise is good for our mental health and Pilates is an excellent choice of exercise for calming body and mind.
Benefits of Pilates on our Mental Health
It focuses / calms the mind - In Pilates, there are often various things you need to think about, such as the movement of your body and the breath. This can allow your mind to focus on something else and bring your attention to your body only, which can be a welcome distraction for some people.
Relieves stress and tension - Pilates can relieve stress in the body by stretching and being aware of how your body is moving. It can encourage you to relax the muscles and bring your shoulders down and away from your ears. Throughout the course of the class, your body will start to relax and flow into the movement.
Regulate emotions - Pilates can help to regulate your emotions through breathing. Some classes will include a meditation at the end, to help you release any additional tension and bring the focus to your mind.
It can help you sleep - taking part in a Pilates class can help with the effects of insomnia and wind down the body / mind in preparation for a restful nights sleep.
Stress management - Exercise helps to release endorphins, which are your happy hormones!
Create a self care routine - a really important tool for managing stress and anxiety. Pilates can help you to create a self care routine, so you can prioritise taking time for you.
There are endless benefits to taking part in Pilates, but in terms of our mental health, exercise can provide an opportunity for us to socialise and increase those happy hormone levels!
We have a variety of classes available and if you do suffer with anxiety and are worried about attending a class, we are more than happy to talk through this with you and answer any questions you might have.
We look forward to seeing you on the mats.
Kelly
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