Pilates is a low-impact, physical activity that is designed to improve your body, mind, and spirit. Millions of people all over the world have participated in Pilates every day for decades. Aside from its obvious fitness benefits, Pilates offers an array of physical, mental, and emotional advantages to people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds. With the new year upon us, it’s time for new resolutions and a brighter, better you. But how can Pilates help you achieve your resolutions this year?
Everyone Can Participate in Pilates
The foundation of Pilates rests on an integrative approach to building your core strength, focusing on alignment, and connecting your body and mind for a peaceful experience. This approach involves movements and exercises that can be modified or personalized to each person’s specific need, no matter your age, size, etc. Whether you have issues with mobility, aren’t as flexible as you once were, or have been an athlete for many years, Pilates is something you can reap the rewards from.
Designed and created to be adaptable to every person, Pilates can help create balance in the body, mind, and spirit of anyone.
Pilates Is Ideal For Recovery or Therapy
The general accessibility of Pilates and its ability to be modified makes it a wonderful option for people recovering from physical injuries or undergoing different types of physical therapy. And because the movements in Pilates are low-impact and do not stress the body, it can help the body recover quicker, easier, and with less pain. Pilates is comprised of gentle exercises that are modified per your needs, as well as breath control and meditation. All of these things work together to recover the body, mind, and spirit.
It Helps With Relaxation, Stress Relief, and Anxiety
When you are participating in Pilates, you are immersed in a peaceful, calm, and relaxing space while you undergo transformative movements. This atmosphere helps you relax, de-stress and let go of your daily anxiety. The environment, in combination with the specific movements of Pilates, helps lower blood pressure, which can also alleviate stress and anxiety in the long-term. The techniques learned in Pilates can be taken out of the studio and into your daily life, allowing you to let go of stress more easily.
Pilates Can Get You in Better Shape
Unlike many other forms of exercise, Pilates is a whole-body workout. It balances the development of muscles and strength, while also strengthening your core. Stronger, leaner muscles and a stronger core result in better posture, flexibility, and circulation. All of these things combined can help control or maintain weight-loss and even increase your energy throughout the day.
Pilates can even be used to train for other fitness activities, sports, and more, as the movement and strength you gain from Pilates work as an ideal foundation for any other type of movement you may take part in. Whether it’s more sculpted muscles you’re looking for or an overall improved, physical self, Pilates can get you there.
The Mind’s Memory and Focus Improve
Stress and your brain’s function go hand in hand. As our daily lives beat down on us, our brains become bogged down with information and anxiety. Pilates can help create a balance between your body and mind, clearing your head and eliminating that stress. When your mind is in a better place to think clearly, you may find that your cognitive function, as well as your memory, will improve. The meditative techniques, as well as the physical movements provided by Pilates, gives your brain the proper state to focus and concentrate, making you more productive.
Pilates Can Improve Flexibility, Eliminate Pain, and Prevent Future Injuries
Pilates works to create balance and equilibrium between all aspects of your body, mind, and spirit. As it gently strengthens muscles and works your core, your flexibility can improve immensely. As you become more flexible and your body strengthens, you may notice a difference in pain or achiness. Those who experience pain in the back, knees, neck, or other areas may notice a noticeable difference in their level of pain.
The ability of Pilates to increase blood circulation, improve flexibility, tone muscles, and even build bone-density can help you fight against future injuries and chronic pain in the future. Pilates can even address underlying issues that you may not have known existed, like a misaligned spine or poor muscle tone.
Problems with Sleeping Can Be Eliminated
If you have issues with sleeping, you’re not alone. Millions of people don’t feel as though they get the sleep they need and it’s no surprise, with all of the daily stress and anxiety you deal with. Our brains and bodies may have a hard time relaxing and settling down when it’s time to get a good night’s rest. Pilates gives you the proper tools to take home with you to de-stress and relax at night.
In addition, Pilates’ ability to lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, eliminate pain, and improve flexibility and posture helps provide you with all the right physical tools to get you sleeping well every night.
It Can Become a Rewarding Career
Pilates instructors undergo unique training and qualification processes in order to teach Pilates. After just one class, it may be easy to see why so many people are interested in becoming an instructor themselves. If you’re looking for a rewarding, fun, and unique career, becoming a certified Pilates instructor is a path that is feasible for many. Pilates instructors learn through experienced gurus how to help others reach their own dreams.
Whether you’re looking to achieve your new year’s resolution or seeking to begin the journey towards a brighter, happier you, pilates can help you get there. And with the help of knowledgeable professionals, Pilates can become a fun and beneficial part of your daily life. Contact our professional staff at Sheppard Method Pilates to learn how we can accommodate your needs and get you started on your Pilates journey today!
From all of us at Sheppard Method Pilates, we wish you happiness and good health in the new year!
