Mat-based Pilates: your path to a balanced mind and body
The reason many people take up mat-based Pilates is that they need to get their body into better shape. Too many tasty treats over the holidays might have added a few kilos. Or your sedentary job has finally taken its toll and you have lower back or neck pain. There’s no doubt that Pilates is great for strengthening and increasing the flexibility of your body.
But years of practice and teaching have proven to me that it can do more than that. Pilates promises to engage the mind-body connection in ways that can increase our attention and focus.
Pilates creates harmony between body and mind
One research project looked at the mind-body connection of Pilates and its benefits for professional dancers. This small study indicated that because mindfulness is a key part of Pilates practice, it can help increase one’s overall feeling of wellbeing. As you practice, you’re encouraged to focus on your senses and your awareness of how your body moves. With its focus on the breath and coordinating breath with movement, Pilates is an exercise in mindfulness.
Call it ‘mindfulness in motion’.
Along with the breath, Pilates encourages you to become aware of where your body holds tension. As you breathe, you release tension and relax those parts of your body that might be holding onto that tension. As you become more experienced in your practice, your breathing aligns with your movements, and you develop your ‘flow’. So, along with the physical benefits of strength and flexibility, Pilates is great for:
reducing stress
increasing your feelings of relaxation, and
improve your quality of sleep.
Pilates supports a more positive mental state
It’s easy to focus on what we can’t do, especially if we’re just starting our Pilates practice or we’ve taken a break from regular sessions. As an experienced teacher, it’s my job to avoid judgement and encourage you to improve gradually and purposefully. It’s not about emphasising your limitations. And it’s certainly never about comparing yourself to others.
The important thing to remember is that real change takes perseverance.
As you progress, your body will become stronger and more flexible, and you’ll also feel the benefits of regular mindful practice. And you can give yourself a pat on the back for doing something really positive – developing a habit that will reap rewards now and into the future.