The Benefits of Self-Care in Pilates for Mental Health
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword. It’s an essential part of life and sometimes can be the difference between feeling mentally healthy and struggling to make sense of your emotions. Exercise, and specifically Pilates, is among one of the most effective ways to seek a sense of wellness and cultivate better mental health. Read on to understand why Pilates is a great form of self-care and how it can help improve your mental state.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. It’s a form of exercise that seeks to improve the body’s flexibility, strength, posture, and balance. Pilates uses several bodyweight exercises and equipment, such as the reformer, to build core strength. Pilates is focused on movements performed with control and precision, which help to improve your physical and mental health.
The Benefits to Mental Health
Pilates can be an effective form of self-care for your mental health. Here are three of the main ways that Pilates can help improve your mental health:
Stress Relief: Pilates is a form of exercise that helps reduce stress and anxiety. It has been shown to increase endorphins, which regulate mood, helping to create an overall feeling of wellbeing.
Better Physical Health: Improved physical health has been linked to improved mental health. Pilates helps to strengthen the body, which can contribute to better overall physical health.
Mental Clarity: Pilates not only helps to relieve stress and anxiety, but it can also help to provide mental clarity. The focus and deliberate movements of Pilates can help clear the mind and provide mental clarity.
How to Get Started
Pilates can be an incredibly beneficial form of self-care, but it can be intimidating to start. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Find an instructor – Find a qualified instructor who can help guide you through proper form and technique.
Start slow – Pilates can be intense, and if it’s your first time, chances are you won’t be able to do all the moves. So start slow and focus on the basics.
Listen to your body – As with any form of exercise, it’s important to listen to your body and understand what is achievable for yourself. Don’t push too hard, if something doesn’t feel right, ease off and take a break.
Practicing Self-Care
Self-care is an important part of living a healthy and well-balanced life. Incorporating Pilates into your self-care routine can help you achieve the body and mental health you are striving for. Pilates can help alleviate stress, improve physical health, and provide mental clarity. So take some time to make sure you are taking care of yourself and find the right form of exercise, such as Pilates, that can help on your journey to mental wellness.
