It’s April again and the summer is upon us. Unfortunately, we are still in difficult times and it is best to be indoors in the comfort of our homes to stay safe. We understand that you are missing out on the final few days of warmth before it gets too hot. But with everything considered, it is time for us to stay brave and take care of ourselves and each other through little steps.
As we are all adjusting to this strange new way of life, it doesn’t go unnoticed that our time in quarantine does inflict mental and psycho-social strain on everyone. While we do get to spend time with our families, regular routines that involve interactions with others and moving out of our home for work and other needs are lacking. But those are essential for our identity, self-confidence and purpose.
Apart from the fear and anxiety brought about by COVID-19, it is normal for people to feel stressed and listless due to spending days and even weeks at home. So how do we overcome this? How can we reduce our stress and find calmness in times of uncertainty?
One way to keep your mind and body healthy and stress-free are by staying active at home. And for that, we recommend our virtual Pilates classes.
Interested to learn more? Let us help you to understand how Pilates can help improve your mental health while staying in quarantine.
The Effect of Pilates on mental health
Since the time of its conception, Pilates has been a proven method to increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and tone the body overall. However, today we know that apart from its physical impact, Pilates can help in reducing mental stress and enhancing mindfulness.
Through regular practice of Pilates, your body will reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol and release endorphins, which are “feel-good” hormones that have the power to lift your mood. Also, Pilates pumps blood to the brain, specifically to the hippocampus which is the region responsible for memory. Activating the hippocampus improves memory and protects the brain against diseases and injuries.
Pilates is also an incredibly powerful tool that helps your body relax and rejuvenate. As you follow the various steps and postures during the workout, you are essentially providing your mind space to focus on the present. Further, the principles of Pilates emphasis on the importance of breathing correctly. This ensures proper oxygenation of the blood, helping the brain to calm down.
Studies also show that exercises should be included as an essential component in helping patients recover from mental illnesses. Group Pilates is a recommended exercise that assists in the treatment of anxiety and depression as it offers the patients to socialize and create a diversion from negative thoughts, while at the same it helps to establish a self-care routine.
Why we recommend virtual Pilates classes
While Pilates can be practiced alone, engaging in a one on one or group session with an accomplished trainer has its perks. It presents a chance for you to train right and get the maximum benefits of doing Pilates. With virtual Pilates classes, you can now keep up with your workouts without any breaks. Further, virtual group sessions allow you to interact with your fellow practitioners, making your Pilates classes fun and eventful.
At The Hundred, our signature Pilates classes are now accessible via Zoom to anyone interested. You can enjoy free online sessions every Sunday at 11 am or paid group sessions on Wednesdays for 55 AED per person for 55 minutes. Even virtual one to one sessions are available for Pilates, as well as physiotherapy in order to check on the progress of our existing patients and introduce them to new rehabilitation exercises – both at 315 AED per person.
We aim to give everyone a chance to make this COVID-19 quarantine period productive while improving and maintaining your physical and mental health. So take the next step and join our classes today. Stay home and enjoy healthy and stress-free days ahead with virtual Pilates classes at The Hundred.
For bookings or information, call 043447333 or email us at [email protected].
