1. I love What It Does For My Mental State
Have you ever just stopped everything and really focused on your breathing? Really focused? Feeling deep inhales and long exhales? When you’re in a stressful situation and you stop and breathe consciously, it immediately calms you. When I do Pilates, together with the actual movements themselves, I equally focus on my breathing. It puts me in a good headspace and makes me feel an instant state of calm.
(Tip: Did you know that the exhalation is more important than the inhalation as it detoxifies the body and vital organs. In the world of wellness, it’s known as the internal shower)
2. I always feel “good sore”
When I used to run, do weights or high impact exercises, I often seemed to hurt myself. When I do Pilates my muscles feel worked, but in the right way. With the exception of pregnancy, I’ve never had an injury or needed to see a physio or chiropractor since I’ve been doing Pilates.
Different types of exercises work for different people. For me, Pilates is the only form of exercise which makes me feel 100% confident that my body becomes stronger and more toned. I love working every muscle in my body.
3. I have an emotional connection
Every time I do Pilates, I’m reminded of my journey – its been with me since I’ve been a mum. Call me oversensitive and emotional (That’s OK! I am…sometimes) but after having children and going through all the physical and emotional changes, Pilates has been a constant in my life and has always given me positivity. It brought me back to myself. It gave me a new career path and vision into the future. My husband and I do Pilates classes together as much as we can – its our date time! And as our boys are getting older, they love joining in with me too.
4. Its a gift that keeps giving
Pilates allows me to really connect with my body. Every single muscle is used in a Pilates class (muscles I never knew existed) No two classes are ever the same, and there is so much variety, with no muscle or body part being excluded. By performing Pilates, I feel like its a gift to my body and myself. It is constantly teaching me, challenging and inspiring me. Its a daily gift I give myself, and I believe that everyone should treat themselves.
Em xx