Pilates Instruction - The Hidden Secret

Most individuals when they think of Pilates Exercise only see the physical part. They think that working their bodies through a well-balanced series of exercises will, over time, help to redress any postural instabilities they may have. They know they will get fitter and have improved body awareness. What many don't understand is the hidden and not-so-obvious benefits that Pilates also gives those that practise on a regular basis.

Joseph Pilates always intended that his exercise system was to be holistic and was designed to work not only the body but the mind as well. If Pilates exercises are to be done well they need smooth and controlled movement, great concentration and synchronisation between movement and breath.

All these aspects need you to become "mindful"; not by error has Pilates been called the "Thinking Person's Exercise". You cannot do Pilates Exercise well if you just throw your body about like you would in an aerobic exercise class. You need to concentrate on what is going on inside your body so that you can first {learn} to activate and then command your deep stabilising muscles.

This deep concentration has another hidden side effect that effective Pilates instructors are well aware of. If you are focusing very deeply to execute a Pilates exercise in perfect form there can be no room in your mind for other things. Your mind is forced to cease its endless chit-chat as it focuses on the challenge at hand. This in turn causes your mind to relax and to "forget" (for a little time) about all the other things that were stressing you before the class started like "Did I lock the front door?", "Is my boss going to fire me?", "Does my bum look big in this tracksuit?". You get the idea.

People these days find it very difficult to relax their minds. Even at night when fast asleep, the tensions of the day preclude them from relaxing as deeply as they should. They toss and turn, have bad dreams, and wake up umpteen times during the night. When they rouse, they are not refreshed and ready for the day ahead; they are exhausted and don't want to get up.

I soon became aware of this sometimes concealed gain when my clients started to tell me that the night after a Pilates class they slept like babies and woke up refreshed the following morning.

The Pilates exercises, as well as working the body, had been calming the mind. Just working out in class was allowing some of the stored stress that had built up during the day to be released. We know that high stress levels can damage our health so anything that can help to alleviate stress has to be a good thing.

The more I teach Pilates the more hidden secrets I'm discovering. Joseph Pilates himself always believed Pilates to be a mind and body experience and who am I to disagree with the Boss? So what are you waiting for? Find a Pilates class and start to gain the benefits today.

Thank you Joseph Hubertus Pilates.