Those of you that have been reading my blog or getting my newsletter for a while will know how important I think it is to be ‘present’, being more connected with who you are and what you really want.
I have mentioned a few ways that I have tried which have helped me to achieve this, but, for me one of THE most important ways has been through Pilates. What I truly love about Pilates, is that if you want to do it properly, you have to be mindful. You have to focus on the breathing, on connecting with your abdominals, on the muscles that are working, or lengthening (or both), on your alignment and most importantly, how it feels in your body.
If you are really doing Pilates, you cannot just go through the motions, you have to be present.
It’s the being present that actually makes Pilates feel relaxing, you spend the whole hour focusing on you…. no-one else, no worries, just you and your body. That in itself reduces your stress levels considerably, and if your stress levels are lowered, so are your cortisol levels, and it is for this reason that Pilates can aid in weight loss. Cortisol contributes to us being unable to shift stubborn fat! On top of all that, as your body strengthens and increases in flexibility, you feel better and better:
- You are far more able to carry out simple everyday tasks
- You can play more easily and longer with your children/grandchildren
- Your posture improves
- Your confidence and coordination improves
- Your balance improves
- You can do other sports better
- Your energy levels increase
- Your stress levels decrease
- Your pain reduces!
Pilates is about YOU doing something wonderful for yourself, it’s so important to take care of yourself and then you are far more able to take care of others!
Make your Pilates a priority!