The practice of Pilates is not only proved to benefit your physical health, but it is also proven to benefit your mental health, too. When you attend one of our Pilates classes here at A1 Infinite Performance, whether it be Mat, Aerial or Reformer based, we can definitely help you ease the pain in your joints, tone your tummy, work on firming up muscle tissue and so on, but we can also assist you in gaining a clear perspective, a calm mind and have a positive relationship and communication with yourself.
So do you want to know exactly how the practice of Pilates can improve your mental health? Let’s take a look…
How Pilates Can Improve Your Mental Health
Improving Memory –
Science says that in our late 20’s, we begin to lose 1% of the proportion of the brain that is responsible for our memory and cognitive functioning. However, regular exercise can improve our neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells) and research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign claim that mindful exercise such as Pilates, have a significant superior effect to our brain function in comparison to aerobic exercise.
Engage The Brain To Learn A New Skill –
Pilates is not really a fast-paced exercise that requires primarily stamina in order to see results, it is a form of exercise that requires your brain to be engaged at all times. It requires focus and for you to multitask between concentrating on the following:
- Breathing
- Stretching
- Movement
- Posture
Calms Your Emotions –
A mindful exercise such as Pilates helps to connect the body, soul and mind and assists you to rationalise your emotions and feelings, finding a solution from within. If you feel that you regularly experience the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Distraction
- Negative / Detrimental Habits
- High Blood Pressure
Then Pilates could be one answer to add to your list of solutions to try, through gentle movements at your own pace, experienced quiet time to concentrate on what’s going on in your mind, and give yourself some much needed TLC and self care.
Relieves Build Up Of Stress And Emotional Tension –
Stress can take all different types of tolls on our bodies, and it can affect everyone in a different way. When you are in a situation that leaves you in ‘fight or flight’ mode, the body releases stress hormones that can be described as a wave of adrenaline.
When this happens, the body tenses which then causes further problems with your posture, aching joints and muscle spasms. This can then have a detrimental impact on your mental health, and your general mood. The discomfort can make you feel low and run down. However the practise of Pilates can help to combat this from within. The slow, gentle movements help you to mindfully understand how to correctly move each body part, focus on the extension of each muscle and focus on your breathing throughout, releasing tension and pain.
Control Stress And Insomnia –
If you live a busy lifestyle, or work in a rather stressful job, then you may find it hard to unwind at the end of your day. A lot of people say that going to the gym helps in order to unwind, and leave workplace stress at the office door. Exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel proactive and good about yourself.
The practise of Pilates helps you to gain control over your body, and teaching you how each component of your body works together, along with how gaining control over your breathing can also impact. Mindful exercise in-tunes the mind, body and soul to work on issues from within, rather than just exterior results.
Boost Your Confidence –
When you really enjoy doing something, and see the improvement in your ability, naturally it enhances your confidence, therefore boosting your happiness. It can aid to clear your mind, lift your spirits and make you feel better about yourself.
Book Your Class Today…
Here at A1 Infinite Performance, our classes work on improvement and self-care from the inside out. We have a variety of different classes for all levels and abilities, from Aerial, Mat and Reformer to Post-Natal Pilates and many more. We also now have a Goal Setting & Mindset Workshop that you can come along to and gain guidance and support from our professional trainers to support your development. If you would like to book your class with us at our Boutique Pilates Studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne, then it’s never been easier! Simply take a look at our Class Timetable on our website and get in touch today by giving us a call on 0191 276 2611.