12 scientifically proven benefits of Pilates – Part 4
We have reached the end of our long journey. We have learned a lot of new things about Pilates, and perhaps about ourselves too. We talked about brain cells, muscles, stress, creativity, etc. All that remains is to learn about the last three benefits of Pilates (the last three benefits on this list – in reality, of course, there are many more). Let's see how Pilates influences our self-image, how it helps us find what is truly important, and we will also get some parting advice from Joseph Pilates himself before we embark on the long road to health and happiness.
- Pilates helps release emotional tension.
How we move and what our posture is like says a lot about our personality. Expert psychologists and physiotherapists (as well as Pilates instructors, who somewhat fulfill both roles) can tell how we feel in a blink of an eye, just from the way we walk through the door.
We store all anxiety and emotions in our bodies. We clench our jaws when we want to shout, we slouch when we are ashamed, and we tighten our hips when we are sad or scared.
Pilates helps release muscles and regain control over the core, which is directly connected to the emotional burden we carry with us day by day. When we relax our muscles, we also release the anxiety and emotions that we have been carrying for who knows how long.
- Pilates allows us to be ourselves.
The modern world presents us with many modern challenges. We have set the bar so high that it's a miracle if two out of ten people manage to meet it. We constantly push our limits to be better employees, better parents, better students, and this constant pressure has lasting consequences.
Pilates teaches us that our body must be respected. We work within our range of motion, we don't overexert ourselves; instead, the emphasis is on slow but consistent progress. Our greatest strength and motivation for development come when we are completely confident in what we are doing, which is why it is important for everyone to progress at their own pace.
We should not compare ourselves to others, as no two people in the world are alike. Instead, let's look at where we started and where we have arrived. Let our own principles and goals come first!
If we learn to respect our body, we will be just one step away from extending this respect to other areas of our lives. We will respect our time, our desires, our priorities. We will set our own standards and not let the modern lifestyle drag us down.
- Pilates makes us more confident.
Social psychologist Amy Cuddy spoke in a TED Talk about how "power posing" can improve self-confidence. It's not for nothing that we were told at home and at school to sit up straight, as this posture makes us more confident.
In Pilates, good posture and proper alignment are extremely important. Good posture is, of course, also extremely important from a health perspective, but this time the focus is on its effect on self-confidence.
"Through the Pilates Method, you acquire an unique, balanced trinity of body, mind, and spirit. Confidence then comes naturally," said Joseph Pilates.
If we haven't had enough reasons to try Pilates until now, these 12 scientifically supported reasons will surely convince you to sign up for a Pilates course today.
Give your body and mind the pampering they deserve – Pilates, which results in intelligent movement and smart people!