https://m.facebook.com/marionmpilates/
Stress is an unavoidable factor in life today. So how do we learn to manage stress to reduce the negative effects on our health? Exercise is known to releases endorphins, which benefit our emotional as well as physical health. Mindful movement disciplines such as Pilates, where the focus is on mind-body connection, are particularly beneficial in this respect.
Pilates was developed over 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates. He believed that mental and physical health were closely interrelated. He developed his own training method, originally called Contrology, which he piloted with war internees during World War 1 to maintain their health and fitness levels whilst being held in confinement. Today, Pilates is practiced by people from all walks of life for the many benefits it has to offer. But how can Pilates help manage stress?
Pilates is a holistic practice centred around 6 principles: breath, centre, concentration, control, precision and flow. We’re going to look at each of these principles and how we can apply them, not only in Pilates, but in our daily lives.
Deep breathing helps to lower your blood pressure. More than that, simply focussing on your breath is a great way to quiet your mind. When practicing Pilates, we learn to move with our breath, and to control our breath. This allows us to engage our deep abdominal muscles (our core), and use these muscles to control our movement whilst supporting the spine. This focus on breathing as part of our movement forces us to be present in the moment. Anyone who has ever attended a class will tell you how difficult it can be initially to make this connection!
Controlled, mindful breathing is a skill that can help you any time you feel your heart start to race and tension taking hold of your body. Whenever you feel things getting on top of you, pause for a moment and breathe: Just. Breathe. Forget about everything else. Inhale deeply through your nose and then exhale fully through your mouth. Let your shoulders drop. Notice your breath. How does it feel? What happens to your body as you inhale? Breathe in deeply again through your nose. As you breathe in, lengthen your spine towards the ceiling. Exhale, keep your spine long and allow your shoulder blades to slide down your back. Where are you holding tension? Imagine you can direct your breathe into those tight areas… and then let any tension release on your exhale.
Try to take just a few minutes everyday to switch off, focus on your body and focus on your breath. Training our minds to be present in the moment is a valuable skill. Your body – and mind – will thank you for it.
If you are keen to learn more have a look at my Facebook page below. I run classes in the Bishopbriggs area.
Marion.
https://m.facebook.com/marionmpilates/
