Pilates and the benefits on Mental Health

If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure that you have seen this post before.

Pilates, as you all have figured out, has numerous benefits.

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I think a post on the mental health benefits pilates has to offer is quite fitting.

A couple of my favourites are…

1️⃣REDUCES STRESS

Pilates is a fabulous way to relieve stress. During your session, you are focusing on the movements of your body as well as on your breathing. This allows you to meditate as you perform each movement, giving you more energy and greater focus.

2️⃣HORMONE RELEASE

The level of physical activity in your Pilates session helps your brain produce serotonin, dopamine and it releases endorphins. These chemicals allow you to feel good after your session, and also aid in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

3️⃣SELF-CONFIDENCE

The feeling of working towards a goal, reaching it and setting a new goal is priceless. Realising that you can achieve anything you set your mind to is marvellous for your confidence! Seeing the physical changes to your body from your Pilates can also have a positive impact on your self-esteem.

4️⃣BRAIN BOOST

During your Pilates session, your heart rate rises which increases blood flow to your brain. With more oxygen getting to your brain, your memory and brain function will improve.

5️⃣SLEEP BETTER

Consistent Pilates classes have been shown to improve the quality of sleep and help fight insomnia. Improved sleep quality results in you having more energy, and who doesn’t love feeling alive?

Joseph Pilates said it best: “Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”  This shows that pilates doesn’t only benefit our physical well-being but our emotional and mental well-being too.