How Pilates Can Change Your Life, Not Just Your Body

I believe Pilates produces change.

Over the years I’ve had the great pleasure of watching many students come face to face with what they saw as personal limitations and then blast past those limitations to do things they never thought they could.  Sometimes the limitations were physical due to pain or inflexibility and sometimes they were mental – based how they saw themselves, on age,  and sometimes just plain old habit.

In the studio Pilates exercises challenge you mentally, as there can be a lot to think about.  No reviewing your grocery list here!  With the help of the equipment, many people are pleasantly surprised that they are capable of movements they never thought they could do.

Pilates exercises also challenge you physically, at any level, because they show us where we are out of balance.  Where we are strong or weak,  flexible or tight.  Our bodies are smart and they will always move from the places that are easiest to access – the strong and flexible places.  Pilates challenges you to go around those parts and go deeper.  To find those places that aren’t as strong and flexible and to work from there.  Only by strengthening those deeper, less used muscles will you be able to find balance.

So how does this apply outside the studio?

When you get to know your body and restore a bit of that balance, there are many amazing side effects…

• You feel better in your body and you can move, workout, play and even rest better.
• You are less likely to get injured due to overuse or under-use of the muscles.
• Your internal systems work better because your organs have space.  They are better able to flush toxins and supply the good stuff to your muscles, heart and lungs.
• You can breath better! Your lungs can fully expand to allow for full, deep breathing which can reduce stress.
• You are in control of your body’s health and well-being because you know your body and how it works.

When your body functions well and you feel good you are more likely to try new things or even old things you left behind.  You are willing and able to break though those “limitations”.

I believe Pilates is capable of transforming your body and mind to make you healthier and happier, knowing you are capable of more then you ever thought possible.

We would love to hear from you.  Come on over to Pilates on the Bay for more info about Pilates.