Stress: How Pilates Can Help

Too many of us live stressful lives.

Pilates brings relief from stress and a sense of calmness. It is a gentle, non-aerobic form of exercise that doesn’t rely on sweat, grunt and pain. It produces not just a toned, flexible body but also a calm, relaxed mind.

Secluding yourself in a quiet studio, focusing on breathing exercises and repeating gentle but effective movements can bring peace to the busiest of days. The breathing exercises used in Pilates improve blood circulation and encourage relaxation. Concentrating on your body and on specific exercises helps keep distracting and stressful thoughts away.

The very act of exercising will decrease “stress hormones” like cortisol and increase endorphins, the body's “feel-good” chemical.

Pilates is also, of course, excellent for strengthening the core muscles and relieving back pain by treating the underlying causes. Back pain is itself often a symptom of a stressed lifestyle, leading to poor posture. Pilates straightens the spine and improves posture. This will help you breathe better, digest your food more efficiently and even feel taller.

People from all walks of life can de-stress through Pilates. Joan Bakewell, the writer and broadcaster, says that Pilates gives her “a tremendous sense of well-being”. Pop star Will Young says: “I love Pilates. It helps you get in touch with yourself and your body. It’s also helped me to chill out a lot. I didn’t get nervous before the album release, because nowadays I think: ‘What’s the point?’ ”

The singer Natasha Hamilton, meanwhile, launched a campaign advocating that stressed-out mothers relax by doing Pilates’ breathing exercises.

A good Pilates class also brings a welcome change of scenery and a serene atmosphere, along with the support of expert teachers and like-minded users. All of these factors help clients chill out.

Taking time out from a busy day to concentrate on your breathing and to stretch muscles is a great antidote for a stressed lifestyle. At its best, Pilates can fuse body, mind, and spirit and greatly reduce a sense of rush, pressure and stress.