What many people don’t realize is that Pilates is so much more than just physical exercise, it’s about the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. It’s an incredible form of exercise that allows you to relearn your body and improve your overall physical and mental health.
Here are some ways Pilates can enhance your mental health and boost your self esteem.
It Makes You Feel Good
Just like any other form of physical activity, Pilates releases endorphins that make you feel good. These endorphins improve your self esteem for the remainder of the day and can play a part in other areas of your life. Which means, you may find yourself smiling just a little more than usual after practicing Pilates.
Your Mental Health Improves
Pilates not only improves your physical health, but also plays a big role in your mental health too. Outside of releasing the “feel good” endorphins, Pilates has been proven to help fight depression and decrease stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that Pilates can improve the symptoms of anxiety in several ways including: improving your energy, improving your sleep and sleep quality, relaxing muscle tension, and improving your body’s circulation.
You Become More Aware of Your Body
Pilates not only makes you feel stronger, it can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Think of the core principles of Pilates. The principles have a strong emphasis on movement and coordination. With such a high level of concentration on each exercise movement, you will inherently become more aware of your body. You may notice that your body tends to be tighter on one side or that your posture isn’t the best. This awareness allows you to better focus on these problem areas and improve your overall health.
You Become More Self-Confidence
You may find as you become more aware of your body, you become more confident in your own skin.
Regular practice of Pilates will improve your overall physical health and feeling of well being and it will also help make you look and feel your best. It can help you realize just how strong your body really is and how much your body is capable of doing, which is one of the best feelings in the world!
You Become More Mindful
You may notice yourself becoming more mindful in other areas of your life.
When practicing Pilates, you become mindful of the way your body moves, your environment, and your thoughts. You may notice that when you leave the studio, you carry this mindfulness with you. This may change your outlook on life.