Movement for the Mind
Pilates isn't just a work-OUT, it's a work-IN!
There are many mind-blowing perks of Pilates that go far beyond the physical body. Creating a routine around mindful movement not only improves the body’s strength but also conditions the mind to feel good and focuses on mental health and wellbeing.
Pilates can even serve as a moving style of meditation, committing to the present moment with nothing but controlled movement and breath.
Here are some simple and positive mental benefits to practicing Pilates:
Mindful Movement: Pilates serves as a meditative experience blending conscious movement, breathing awareness, and focused concentration.
Body to Mind Connection: Pilates promotes a strong connection between your body and mind, making you more aware of how you move and creating harmony between these two elements.
Focus and Concentration: Pilates exercises require mental focus, helping clear your mind of stress and distractions and enabling you to practice presence.
Long-term Cognitive Function: The mental focus in Pilates improves cognitive function, therefore, benefiting you well beyond just the exercise session. Potentially giving you long-term benefits and increasing your youthful qualities.
Positive Energy and Mood: Engaging in Pilates, like other physical activities, releases endorphins, contributing to a better mood and increased energy.
Stress Reliever: Pilates acts as a mental breather, offering a pause from daily worries and pressures and promoting relaxation through controlled movements.
Breathing Awareness and Control: Pilates priorities controlled breathing, in relation to movement. This boosts both physical performance and mental relaxation, which positively impacts stress levels.
Balance and Coordination: Pilates challenges the body’s and mind’s balance, coordination, and mental sharpness, fostering for balance and harmony in these focus areas. Balance is one of the greatest qualities to strive for in order to live a fulfilled, content and happy life.
Body Positivity and Acceptance: Consistent Pilates practice nurtures a positive body image, boosting your self-esteem and confidence.
Although everyone's experience is unique, there are a many positive mental health benefits to yield from your practice. The mental gains of Pilates can vary based on your commitment, consistency, and personal preferences.
About the Author - Tayla Rowan
Tayla Rowan is deeply passionate about health, wellbeing, and education. She demonstrates her unwavering commitment to embodying holistic practices in her daily life through the various roles she dedicates herself to within the health and fitness industry. Currently based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Tayla is fully immersed in her role as a fitness and wellbeing instructor, one of her greatest passions in life.
Having a profound understanding of the therapeutic power of movement for both the body and the mind, Tayla is naturally drawn to the daily practice of Pilates and Yoga. These disciplines seamlessly complement her love of mindfulness, flexibility and resistance strength training. As a lifelong learner, Tayla is dedicated to continuous training and upskilling, consistently enhancing her expertise in Pilates and Yoga.
Tayla wholeheartedly embraces the fusion of Yoga and Pilates practices, creating a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. An advocate of nature and a firm believer in its healing and harmonising impacts, she hobbies her own organic vegetable garden and takes on every opportunity to immerse herself in the beauty of nature, especially by the ocean.
Members can find mindful movement throughout all 4 signature styles of Maelo Moves classes. Sign up here to discover your new world for mindful movement.
