According to research, 1 in every 15 women worldwide is affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. It is a complex condition that affects the female endocrine system and causes hormonal imbalances in the body. Women who have PCOS find it difficult to maintain a healthy weight, a regular menstruation cycle and conceive.
Ladies who have a chronic condition such as PCOS can greatly benefit from regular exercise. But choosing the right physical activity can be challenging. With PCOS, it’s not only about exercise routines that promote weight loss but also about stress alleviation and improving the body’s hormone levels.
One of the best exercises that is ideal for women who suffer from PCOS is pilates. Apart from toning the body and improving core strength and flexibility, pilates reduces cortisol levels that are associated with stress. Let us further discuss how this workout can help women manage the symptoms of PCOS.
Pilates Strengthens The Pelvic Floor Muscles
This group of tissues forms a dome-shaped muscular sheet underneath the pelvic area. It supports the abdominal and pelvic viscera or the internal organs in the human body’s lower abdominal cavity. These include the intestines, bladder, and most especially the uterus. Along with the muscles located in the back as well as the abdomen, pelvic floor muscles are all part of core strengthening – a major component of pilates classes.
Strengthening these muscles reduces the risk of having pelvic floor dysfunction, which is a common occurrence for women with PCOS. The muscles, ligaments, and tissues of the pelvic floor will not only become stronger, but individuals will also experience relief from pain and discomfort and other debilitating symptoms of PCOS such as hormone imbalance.
Taking Part In Pilates Classes Decreases Stress Levels
You can engage in the right exercise or maintain a proper diet, but without controlling your stress levels, it will be difficult to alleviate the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome entirely. Effective stress management is crucial for women experiencing PCOS, and one way of ensuring they maintain healthy psychological wellbeing is through pilates.
A wellness center that offers pilates provides a safe and comfortable environment for individuals to relax and release built-up stress and tension. This low-impact exercise allows your mind to focus on the body and its breathing. Concentrating on how you breathe enables the body to supply adequate oxygen in the blood and distribute it to the organs. This, in turn, encourages the brain to calm down while efficiently reducing cortisol levels associated with stress.
It Helps Address Hormonal Imbalance
Pilates, when combined with yoga, can prove to be beneficial in managing PCOS. Doing both exercises regularly can improve your hormone levels to a great extent and this is made possible by the relaxation benefits that both activities have on the body.
This enhances the communication process between different organs, thereby effectively managing the release of hormones. Our trainer at the Hundred can further help you find the right pilates exercises that will work best for your condition.
If you want to learn more about how pilates can help manage your PCOS, head over to our wellness center in Jumeirah to enroll in one of our classes today.
