Pilates is scientifically proven to not only keep you physically healthy but mentally healthy as well. Pilates practice emphasizes the mind-body connection with focused breathing and gentle movement that helps improve mood through relaxation, stress reduction, and the release of endorphins. In turn, regular Pilates practice can show up off the mat, improving brain function, concentration, sleep habits, and more—all contributing to your overall mental health and quality of life.
At Sheppard Method Pilates, we understand the importance of practicing Pilates for mental health. While staying in great shape through Pilates exercise is great, it also contributes to mental wellness by feeling our physical best. Our Westwood Pilates instructors prioritize the mental and emotional connection between the breath, focus, and movement that will enhance your overall physical and mental wellness. Read on to discover how Sheppard Method Pilates can help your mental health!
Want to learn more about how Pilates can help boost your mental health? Contact Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood. Contact our office to get started!
Pilates Keeps You Active and Physically Healthy
Studies repeatedly show that any daily movement to stay physically active benefits your mental health and promotes overall longevity and wellness. From stretching out general aches and pains to blowing off some steam due to stress, we feel our best mentally and emotionally when feeling good physically! Pilates practice is a perfect low-impact practice to incorporate into your routine to ensure you move your body regularly and stay active and healthy.
Treating Anxiety and Depression With Pilates
6.8 million Americans suffer from anxiety and depression each year, and physical exercise is proven to reduce the effects of low mood. Because Pilates focuses on the mind-body connection, your Pilates practice goes beyond the typical release of neurochemicals such as serotonin and endorphins in the body with physical exercise but also promotes an act of self-care. This is especially prominent in group Pilates classes, which ensure you are a part of a supportive community.
Pilates helps With Your Sleep Cycle
Through movement, stress and anxiety reduction, and relaxation, Pilates can even improve your sleep cycle! Staying active through Pilates practice allows you to balance daily energy and nightly REM cycles, decreases the stress hormone that often disrupts sleep and causes insomnia, and helps to relieve physical aches and pains that can affect sleep.
Pilates Improves Memory and Brain Function
Pilates requires concentration to move, breathe, and think consciously. This practice of using the mind and body simultaneously challenges the brain, effectively “training” your mind to be engaged and active in your daily life. Additionally, exercise helps to increase memory retention and helps protect your brain from injury and disease. While all exercise can help improve brain function, Pilates is different—a study in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health reported significantly superior brain function after a mindful movement practice like Pilates or Yoga compared to aerobic exercise.
Stress Management With Pilates
Coping with everyday stresses can compound other physical and mental health issues. Luckily, Pilates helps with stress management and relaxation by decreasing the body’s stress hormone cortisol and increasing endorphins. This process not only gives your body a natural emotional boost during your practice but also improves your ability to cope with stress off the mat long term, as well.
Pilates and the Mind-Body Connection
More than anything, the promotion of the mind-body connection in Pilates is the key to mental wellness. By using the breath, you can find mindfulness and a space for meditation and movement. Through conscious breath, Pilates helps supply oxygen to the body, bringing your focus inward and allowing you to thank your body for all it can do. You can be your happiest self through acts of self-care; Pilates is one of the kindest acts you can do for yourself!
At Sheppard Method Pilates in Westwood, we want you to feel your best. Through a variety of Pilates classes, allow us to improve not just your physical wellness but your mental health as well, through regular practice.
Contact Sheppard Method Pilates for more information about our class schedule and available instructors!
