Pilates for Stress Management

Many of us deal with stress in our daily lives and stress will affect us all differently. What is stressful for one person will not necessarily have the same affect on someone else. However, it is clear that all of us deal with stress at one time or another.

"One of the important elements of Pilates is the mind/body connection..."

Whilst small amounts of stress can actually be good for us, allowing us to rise to challenges and build stronger and more resilient, long term stress can be extremely harmful to the body and the mind. Long term stress is linked to the development of anxiety and depression, as well as other negative effects on the immune system (including digestion).

There is some stress that can be difficult to deal with or change due to your own circumstances, but there are ways that you can help yourself to start managing that stress. This might be by way of meditation, journaling or some form of mindful movement/exercise/

Say hellooooo to Pilates.

I have told you previously of the benefits of Pilates, including strengthening of the body, increased mobility and flexibility, and improved posture. However, there are also many benefits for the body and mind from a relaxation and stress management perspective.

"At the end of your practice, you should feel more relaxed and calm, both physically and mentally!"

One of the important elements of Pilates is the mind/body connection, allowing you to take the time to think about what the body is doing, how it is moving and taking that time to focus on yourself. Strengthening and stretching the body can give you a sense of relaxation, particularly when paired with the Pilates breath, which calms the body and the mind. When you're taking part in a Pilates class, the mindful movement and the breath means you focus your attention on your body and allows you the opportunity to free the mind of anything else.

At the end of your practice, you should feel more relaxed and calm, both physically and mentally!

"Pilates is a powerful tool. Use it for your own self care and stress relief"

We know that exercise has a positive effect on the body and mind, generally elevating our mood. However, hardcore workouts are not par

ticularly relaxing and whilst they may work for you on some occasions, we all need to take time to fully recharge. Pilates is, in my view, one of the best forms of exercise for self care and stress management.

Pilates is a powerful tool. Use it for your own self care and stress relief.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have about attending a class. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you on the mats!

Kelly

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