6 Psychological Benefits of Pilates
Exercise is probably the #1 recommendation doctors and psychologists could give. It speeds up your brain, strengthens your muscles, and generates endorphins, the happiness hormone.
To each their own, but lately there’s one kind of exercise that’s been getting very popular: pilates. And you won’t believe how good it is for your mental health.
This physical and mental training system emerged in the early 1900’s and came to us via Joseph Hubertus Pilates. At first he called it “contrology” because you had to use your mind to control your body. The point is to try to get to a place of harmony and balance between them.
7 basic principles of pilates
- Postural alignment
- Concentration
- Centering
- Control
- Breathing
- Flow
- Precision
Over the years people have added new things to it. Some of those include machines, equipment, and specific postures from other disciplines, like yoga. Today pilates is widely used in rehabilitation treatment plans because it helps stabilize the spinal column and other muscles. There are practitioners all over the world, including many well-known artists and celebrities.
And it’s not just successful because of the remarkable physical improvement people get from it. Pilates also has huge psychological benefits. People who regularly do pilates say they feel much better psychologically and emotionally.
“Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty not only to attain it but to maintain it.”
-Joseph Pilates-
6 psychological benefits of pilates
It helps you sleep
Practicing pilates makes you more relaxed when it’s time to go to bed. You will sleep better, and it also reduces your stress, improves your concentration, and helps eliminate negative thoughts. Deep breathing is what we have to thank for the last part.
Pilates releases toxins through exhalation and oxygenates your skin, muscles, and organs through inhalation. It’s an amazing natural remedy, effective enough to keep you from having to take sleep aids.
It improves your self-esteem
One of the psychological benefits of Pilates is that it has a significant positive impact on your self-esteem. Once you see the changes in your body, your confidence will go up too.
It relaxes and strengthens you
It’s commonly known that this exercise is one of the most relaxing ones there is. It tones your body and improves your breathing.
Pilates is usually highly recommended for people with stress and anxiety disorders. In addition, it’s great for anyone who wants to see their quality of life improve and try something new that’s based on traditional disciplines.
It’s a great way to socialize
Pilates classes are a great way to meet people. They’re a great way to socialize without having to get into team sports, which aren’t a good fit for everyone.
If you’re someone who prefers to do things alone, don’t worry. There are alternative classes that don’t have many people, and you can even try to do it at home by yourself. But we recommend consulting with an expert first. Be careful when you start a new exercise.
It improves your sex life
It strengthens your pelvic area, lower back, and abdominal muscles. That will make it much easier to reach orgasm, and make it more pleasurable too.
Plus, you’ll get more flexible, and that opens up all kinds of doors. Don’t be afraid to try things out, as long as you both agree on it. Anything that could improve the quality of your sex life should be received with open arms.
It teaches you about yourself
One of the benefits of Pilates that people forget about the most is that it teaches you about yourself. And it’s very important to learn about your strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
Good self-knowledge is the key to proper body-mind connection. Harmony between them isn’t always easy to find, but with focus and deep breathing, you can do it.
Pilates is perfect for any kind of person and any age. You might not be entirely convinced, but you won’t lose anything by giving it a shot. Just try it. The results will surprise you.
