7 things you get from Pilates, that aren’t strength or mobility
Going to a regular weekly class naturally means you’ll receive all the Pilates movement benefits, like increased flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination, but here are my top seven less obvious benefits that we get from Pilates class that are nothing to do with strength or mobility.
1. A warm welcome
Starting something new, walking into a studio full of people you don’t know, or even entering a Pilates studio for the first time can be daunting. Receiving a warm welcome and a smile can go a long way to making you feel comfortable and safe.
2. Encouragement
Being led by a teacher who offers you support and gentle encouragement as well as the encouragement of others in the class.
3. Human Connection
This connection with others was what we all missed during the Covid pandemic and we perhaps didn’t realise we needed it until we didn’t have it, isn’t this always the way? With loneliness becoming endemic in our modern world we have to more actively seek out these human connections than we once did. The 2021 World Happiness Report found that people who experienced an increase in connectedness with others during the pandemic had greater life satisfaction, more resilience, and better mental health. Having a strong support system helps people overcome challenges more easily and maintain a state of mental well-being.
Human connection also decreases health risks and improves physical well-being and longevity. Strong social connections strengthen the immune system and increase your chances of a longer life by 50%. Moving within a class of other people who have the same interests as you, who say hello and ask how you are – that’s human connection.
4. A weekly date
Routines become habits and habits become a way of life. Sticking to a routine can be helpful during times of uncertainty and stress. Your Pilates class becomes a date in the diary which forms a little commitment to yourself and your wellbeing.
5. Increased confidence in movement
If you have recently recovered from an injury, had surgery, had a baby, or been in pain then having confidence in your movement is going to be really important. As a mind-body practice Pilates enables us to sense and feel what is happening in our bodies at the time we are moving. A state of presence when we move helps us to build awareness of ourselves and our bodies, with this comes a level of inner confidence that radiates from the inside out.
6. Laughs
Sharing a laugh with someone brings us joy, if you come along to a Pilates class and you have a laugh at the same time it’s a win-win!
7. Motivation
Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviours. It is what helps you lose extra weight, for instance, or pushes you to get that promotion at work. In short, motivation causes you to act in a way that gets you closer to your goals. All of us experience fluctuations in our motivation but turning up at the same time each week and knowing others will be there is motivation. Feeling the benefits in your body is motivation and some encouragement from your teacher is further motivation.
Lauren Hilton Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio specialising in mindful Pilates movement. Located in the heart of Shrewsbury our fully equipped studio has the ultimate Pilates experience for you.
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