Pilates is one of the oldest and most popular workout routines that engage the mind and transform your body. It is often cited to have life-changing benefits, helping strengthen and tone weak and injured muscles, increase flexibility, and improve overall balance and mobility. People all around the world rely on pilates not only as a daily exercise but also as a physical rehabilitation method that keeps their body looking, feeling, and functioning its best.
However, it is surprising that even some of the avid followers of this exercise overlook the mental benefits of pilates. Unknown to many, pilates also employs simple breathing techniques to improve focus and mindfulness of the practitioner, creating and strengthening the bond between one’s mind and body. From helping reduce daily mental stress to bettering the quality of sleep, pilates has a number of mental health benefits, which we will explore in this blog.
Increased mindfulness
Did you know that Pilates is a mental workout as much as it’s a physical one? With the help of free-flowing movements and simple breathing techniques, pilates trainers teach individuals to become more mindful about the space around them. During a Pilates workout, the movement starts and stops with a specific breath pattern. As people follow the movements while focusing solely on their breathing, they are temporarily cut off from unwanted thoughts. By keeping the mind unoccupied during the workout, pilates helps people improve their focus and concentration, allowing them to be and live in the moment.
Managing stress and strain
A good Pilates session can leave the practitioner feeling calm and collected. This is because, while the individual is focused on the exercise, the body’s chemical balance is retained through a series of endocrine functions. During the workout, the cortisol or “stress hormone” level lowers, while endorphins are released. This helps in managing physical and mental stress without the need for any kind of medication.
Better sleep cycles
Most people undergo sleep deprivation at least once in their lifetime. Chronic sleeplessness, on the other hand, can lead to a myriad of health issues and leave the individual feeling tired and fatigued during the day. Lack of sleep is known to create hormonal imbalance and cause loss of memory and critical thinking skills. This essentially leaves the sleepless individuals listless and unable to function socially and professionally in their daily lives.
This is where pilates can help bring a change. Studies show that staying fit and active through simple pilates workouts can drastically improve the quality of sleep. As the hormonal balance is restored, individuals find it easier to rejuvenate body and mind with a good night of rest.
Therapeutic benefits
Pilates is also recommended by mental health practitioners to help individuals cope with anxiety and depression. Along with other mind therapy methods, pilates can help rehabilitate people suffering from mental and emotional issues by helping them redirect their thoughts and focus on internal stability.
Being part of a group pilates class also allows people suffering from mental strains to relax and improve their social skills. People are known to bond over shared experiences, which in itself can be a great medicine in healing the mind.
Final words
If you have never tried pilates before, this is the right time to get started. With the increased emphasis on maintaining mental health during the pandemic, pilates is a great solution to stay calm and focused during the tough times. So join our Pilates classes in Dubai at the Hundred Wellness Centre today.
